The Braves welcomed Ronald Acuña Jr. back from the injured list just three days ago—and he’s already making an impact. Since his return, Acuña has crushed two home runs and driven in three runs, validating Atlanta’s cautious approach to his rehab. The team was deliberate in easing him back, particularly when it came to outfield duties during his rehab assignment.
But while Acuña’s return has energized the lineup, it hasn’t been good news for everyone. Orlando Arcia was designated for assignment, and now outfielder Eli White appears to be feeling the fallout too.
White has seen limited action since Acuña rejoined the team, and when he did get a chance—pinch-running on May 23—he made a costly base-running mistake. Manager Brian Snitker didn’t publicly reprimand him but made it clear those types of errors are unacceptable in tight games.
“I haven’t talked to Eli about it yet,” Snitker told reporters, “but we just can’t make mistakes like that on the bases.”
Eli White
White hasn’t appeared in a game since the miscue and was notably absent from the lineup on Sunday—a game where it might have made sense to rest Acuña after three consecutive starts. It seems Snitker hasn’t moved past White’s mistake just yet.
Statistically, White has been solid in limited opportunities. He’s hitting .274 with a 0.5 WAR and has played reliable defense in the corner outfield while offering value on the basepaths. But with Acuña back and playing regularly, White’s margin for error is razor-thin. Another slip-up might cost him more than just playing time.
The Braves aren’t asking White to carry the team—just to play sound defense and be a smart baserunner. While he could step in as a potential replacement for the now-suspended Jurickson Profar (80-game PED ban), Snitker’s recent handling of him sends a clear message: mistakes in key moments won’t be tolerated, and roles aren’t guaranteed.
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