Alex Verdugo has stepped up for the Atlanta Braves, stepping into a tough outfield situation exacerbated by injuries and suspensions. Arriving in mid-April, his performance has mirrored his previous season with the Yankees, maintaining similar batting averages and a decent OPS. However, concerns are growing as he struggles against faster pitches and left-handed pitchers, indicating potential vulnerabilities that could limit his effectiveness in the lineup.
By the Numbers
- OPS of .646, nearly identical to last year’s mark of .647.
- xwOBA increased from .302 to .322, indicating slightly better contact quality.
- Strikeout rate is at a career-low of 11.1%.
Yes, But
Despite overall solid performance metrics, Verdugo has exhibited a troubling decline in productivity against left-handed pitchers and fastballs over 94 MPH, which could limit his role in crucial matchups.
State of Play
- Verdugo is seeing a career-high zone rate of 59.4%, suggesting pitchers are attacking him more aggressively.
- His defensive metrics are currently down, with a -3 outs above average rating.
What’s Next
The return of Ronald Acuña could create a platoon opportunity for Verdugo, allowing him to focus on matchups where he performs better, especially against right-handed pitchers.
Bottom Line
While Verdugo has provided necessary depth in the Braves’ outfield, continued struggles against specific pitching types suggest he may need to adapt or shift roles once key players return, emphasizing the importance of strategic lineup management.
