Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Braves designate Orlando Arcia for assignment to make room for Acuña

Arcia had been starting shortstop after Swanson, but lost the job to Allen earlier this season.
Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia is odd man out now that the Braves have activated Ronald Acuña Jr. (Colin Hubbard/qAP)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia is odd man out now that the Braves have activated Ronald Acuña Jr. (Colin Hubbard/qAP)
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5 hours ago

As the corresponding move for activating Ronald Acuña Jr., the Braves designated Orlando Arcia for assignment Friday.

Earlier this season, Arcia lost the starting shortstop job to Nick Allen. Arcia had been the starter since 2023, after Dansby Swanson departed in free agency before that season.

Arcia was 6-for-31 this season before the Braves designated him for assignment. After they acquired him in 2021, he hit .238 with a .680 OPS. But he was an All-Star for his terrific first half in 2023.

At this point, Arcia offered the Braves little value. His defense was his calling card, but Allen’s glove is superior. Arcia’s bat wasn’t good enough to be a viable pinch-hit option. And he doesn’t run fast, which means he’s not a good pinch-running option.

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Stuart Fairchild, the seldom-used outfielder, offers more versatility because of his defense and speed. Alex Verdugo is a left-handed batter who gave the Braves a spark upon his arrival.

Arcia didn’t have much of a fit on this roster.

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Justin Toscano is the Braves beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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