Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Acuna could hit leadoff or cleanup, with Donaldson batting second

The Braves are exploring options at the top of the batting order for the 2019 season.
By
Dec 5, 2018

The Braves plan to use Ronald Acuna, Josh Donaldson and Freddie Freeman atop their lineup, though Acuna's role isn't set in stone.

Such a trio would immediately be among the league's best, capped off by Donaldson, who hit No. 2 during his MVP season in 2015 with Toronto. The Braves signed the slugger to a one-year, $23 million deal last month.

Acuna was a revelation in the leadoff spot, hitting .322/.403/.625 with 19 homers, 45 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in the second half.

But if Donaldson assumes the 2-spot, the team lacks an obvious cleanup hitter. They could still move Acuna to fourth, shifting Ender Inciarte back into leadoff.

After a slumping first half, Inciarte hit .302/.345/.448 in the second half. He had relinquished leadoff duties to Acuna.

Braves manager Brian Snitker gave some thought, though not serious consideration, to putting Acuna at cleanup during his hot August-September stretch last season.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

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