Braves send clear message to Marcell Ozuna early in spring training

The Atlanta Braves sent Marcell Ozuna on two spring training road trips to kick off the year. Could that be a message to the veteran outfielder?

Marcell Ozuna’s struggles the past two seasons were well documented. Some fans wanted him traded, but his contract is an albatross given his limited production.

In 2021, Ozuna slashed just 213/.288/.356 in 42 games. 2022 wasn’t much better, as his splits were nearly the same, though Ozuna did manage 23 home runs.

Alex Anthopoulos extended Ozuna after the 2020 season, in which he was an NL MVP candidate due to his power production through 60 games. Those numbers were either a flash in the pan, or Ozuna has completely fallen off a cliff. Much of that may have to do with his off-field concerns.

Ozuna was suspended in 2021 for violating the league’s domestic violence policy. Footage of the incident prompted a public outcry for the Braves to release Ozuna, though they did not. The 32-year-old was also arrested for a DUI just last year. Still, Atlanta has honored his contract.

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Split-squad games happen all the time in spring training. One game usually features most of the regulars, while the other includes mostly minor-leaguers and fringe veterans. Ozuna falls in the latter category, meaning his spot on the roster is hardly guaranteed at this point.

Atlanta’s outfield is crowded, and the team wants to get Ozuna consistent at bats, so it’s important not to think too much into a couple of spring training games. However, there’s a reason Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. aren’t in these lineups. They are the players the fans come out to see, so they’re more than likely to be involved in a home contest, rather than a roadtrip.

Either way, Ozuna is unlikely to be cut before Opening Day due to his salary. But unless he has a strong bounceback season, he’ll consistently be mentioned among the holes in Atlanta’s roster.