News Summary
The Atlanta Braves have turned their season around after a tough start, boasting a winning record following the call-up of outfielder Alex Verdugo. Initially struggling at 0-7, the Braves have now improved to 13-6 since Verdugo’s addition. Despite earlier setbacks, including the suspension of player Jurickson Profar, Verdugo’s contribution has been vital, particularly in boosting the team’s offensive output. As they aim for better standings, the Braves continue to leverage Verdugo’s talents amidst their ongoing quest for a postseason berth.
Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Braves have experienced a significant turnaround in their 2025 season performance following the arrival of outfielder Alex Verdugo. After beginning the season with a dismal 0-7 record, the Braves have since rallied, boasting a 13-6 record post-Verdugo’s call-up from the minors.
This shift in performance comes after a challenging start that saw the Braves’ pitching staff and offense struggle to find their rhythm. Compounding their woes, offseason signing Jurickson Profar was suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, leaving fans disheartened as the team headed into its first home game. Verdugo’s signing on March 20 for a one-year, $1.5 million deal aimed to inject new life into the team just before Opening Day.
Initially, Verdugo agreed to start in the minors to manage roster options. While with the Gwinnett Stripers, he played nine games, achieving a batting line of .207/.303/.448. However, following Profar’s suspension, Verdugo was elevated to the major league roster, where he was positioned in the leadoff spot by Manager Brian Snitker. This decision addressed the underperformance issues faced by Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II.
Since his call-up, Verdugo has proven to be a valuable addition. His first 14 games with the Braves featured an impressive slash line of .322/.385/.441, alongside an overall .825 OPS. Verdugo demonstrated his hitting capabilities by matching his career high with two four-hit games within eight games of his debut. Meanwhile, the Braves’ offensive output improved, averaging five runs per game since Verdugo took on the leadoff role, an increase from the mere 3.39 runs per game they had averaged without him during the initial 18 games of the season. Furthermore, Verdugo has excelled with runners in scoring position, accumulating a .429 batting average and a 1.143 OPS in those situations.
Despite his recent struggles in three games with a 0-for-14 slump, Verdugo’s contributions have helped stabilize the team’s outfield. This comes at a crucial time as they await the return of star player Ronald Acuña Jr. Verdugo’s energy and confidence have drawn comparisons to former Braves player Joc Pederson, positively impacting the team’s dynamics and morale.
Prior to joining the Braves, Verdugo had faced difficulties, posting a .233 batting average with the Yankees in the previous season. However, his statistics indicate potential for improvement, showcasing a .280 expected batting average, a 19.0% chase rate, a 9.7% whiff rate, and a commendable 7.6% strikeout rate. These metrics suggest that Verdugo has the capacity to continue contributing effectively as the season unfolds.
As the Braves aim to reach the .500 mark for the first time this season, they remain focused on stringing together wins in pursuit of a postseason berth. The improved offensive performance following Verdugo’s addition is a positive sign as the team looks to contend in the National League East. However, it is clear that for the Braves to maintain their upward trajectory, they will need to continue leveraging Verdugo’s talents alongside those of their existing roster as they trek further into the 2025 MLB season.
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