Signing Alex Verdugo certainly doesn’t mean the Braves are giving up on Kelenic, but it does give them some insurance in case they choose to do so at a later date. Kelenic hit just .231/.286/.393 in his first season in Atlanta, and he’s come in at .190/.261/.405 this spring. He’ll open up as the right fielder against right-handers, but he does have options left if the Braves want to send him down after Ronald Acuña Jr. returns.

With the hitless contest, Kelenic is hitting just .138 in the spring season. The 25-year-old has flashed his upper-echelon talent in his short MLB career, but it’s been followed far too often with lengthy struggles. He’s expected to open the season in a platoon role, and while a breakout season can’t be ruled out, there’s just as much risk in Kelenic’s profile as there is reward.

Kelenic is 4-for-17, but all four of those hits have gone for extra bases. He’s set to open up as the Braves’ right fielder against right-handers, but the assumption for now is that he’ll take on a bench role or go to Triple-A after Ronald Acuña Jr. returns, perhaps in early May.