Braves Rumors: Mike Soroka sent down, Marcell Ozuna consequences, trade talk

Braves Rumors: Is Marcell Ozuna in trouble?

Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna was benched by manager Brian Snitker over the weekend for a lack of hustle on a very, very long single. Ozuna thought he got all of this blast against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ozuna’s single would have been a home run in most ballparks, to his defense. But it’s yet another in a long list of ways Ozuna has displeased the Braves on and off the diamond. Ozuna was arrested on domestic violence charges and a DUI in the last few years. Up until May, he was among the worst hitters in the lineup, but suddenly he’s found his groove in the power department.

FanSided’s John Buhler had a more measured take on the matter, suggesting Ozuna’s benching was enough given the situation:

"“Having the extra day for this to sink in for Ozuna will surely be humbling. Snitker benching him for not running hard enough to get extra bases was absolutely merited, but that is all he needs to do. Atlanta is playing great baseball this year, and taking two of three on the road vs. the NL West co-leader in Arizona is a huge deal at this stage of the campaign. Atlanta needs to focus on the Mets.”"

This is the correct opinion. A critical series against the New York Mets starts on Tuesday, and Snitker and the Braves don’t need any distractions. But let it be known — Ozuna has been put on notice yet again.