Atlanta Braves Newcomer Is Off To A Slow Start In Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves are off to a slow start throughout Spring Training, holding a 1-3 record.

Obviously, the wins and losses aren't a big deal, but extra eyes are on the new additions the Atlanta Braves added over the offseason.

Newly acquired outfielder Jarred Kelenic has started cold at the plate for Atlanta. He has eight at-bats in his first three games and has yet to record a hit, striking out twice.

“I think the way that I’m approaching it is I know what I’m capable of doing. I have a pretty good routine down of what I need to do to make sure that I’m best prepared for the game,” Kelenic told media earlier this year. “I’m going to just stick to that and let the rest take care of itself. I’ve had a lot of expectations, people saying things and all that. I’m trying to just tune all that out because I’m just going to go out and be who I am.”

In 2024, the left fielder hit for .253 with the Seattle Mariners and had 11 home runs on the year. 

(Ed: It's important to note that spring training stats don't really matter - Astros 2B José Altuve batted .143 last spring and then put up a .311/.393/.522 slashline in the regular season. Would be nice if he was doing better in this small sample, though.) 

Elsewhere in Atlanta's outfield, Michael Harris II has been electric. In eight trips to the plate, Harris has three hits, three runs, two homers, and has an average of .375 this spring.

The Atlanta Braves wrap up February with more Spring Training action on Thursday. They will play the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 pm. You can watch the action at MLB.com or listen on the radio at 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.