Braves: Marcell Ozuna is 1 roster move away from an awkward exit

The Atlanta Braves activated Michael Harris II off the injured list on Friday, reshuffling their outfield. That’s one less spot for Marcell Ozuna.

Atlanta’s ideal outfield doesn’t include Marcell Ozuna — that much is obvious, especially considering he’s slashing a measly .085/.194/.203 with an OPS under .400. Ozuna’s days with the Braves could be numbered, especially with better options reentering the fold.

Michael Harris II was activated off the injured list on Friday. He’ll slide back into center field, which will push Sam Hilliard back to left field, where he belongs. Ozuna, as things currently stand, only has one avenue to a starting spot. That is designated hitter.

However, shouldn’t the DH be able to achieve their one direct responsibility? If Ozuna cannot hit, and hit for power, he doesn’t deserve to be on Brian Snitker’s active roster.

Braves: Marcell Ozuna is one roster move away from an exit

Sure, Alex Anthopoulos and Snitker could stash Ozuna on the bench when Travis d’Arnaud comes back from injury. d’Arnaud started the season as the designated hitter, and unlike Ozuna, he was handling that responsibility fairly well.

But the Braves are a World Series contender. Sure, giving up on Ozuna is a bad look because of his contract. Placing him on waivers as a DFA candidate would be even worse, but a move to the minor leagues seems unlikely.

An awkward conversation is looming with the 32-year-old. Assuming his bat doesn’t turn things around, a trip to the minor leagues could do Ozuna some good. Humble the high-priced free agent addition. To do so, however, Ozuna would have to be on board, or else he’d elect free agency and try to sign elsewhere.

In that, Atlanta risks losing a lot of money for nothing. Liberty Media can afford that kind of dough, but Anthopoulos would rather not ask them to pay the tab on his decision making.