Eli White Making His Case for an Everyday Role in the Braves Lineup
- Charles Mays
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
The Braves have been on a roll lately, and while several players will be thought of as being clutch for this team, one name that should be mentioned is Eli White. White has made the most of his opportunities, and while he has not been a starter in the lineup daily, maybe he should be. Over the past seven days, in four games played, White is batting .375 with an OPS of 1.250, along with a home run and five RBIs. What's even more impressive is that production has come in just eight at-bats. White has literally been clutch and on fire whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Overall this season, White has appeared in 17 games, posting a .280 batting average, one home run, five RBIs, and an .837 OPS. His recent surge has been instrumental in the Braves’ efforts to turn around their early struggles after starting the year 0-7. That rough start seems like a long time ago, even though it really is not.
Beyond just the bat, White’s speed is another game-changing factor. He ranks in the 99th percentile for sprint speed across Major League Baseball, making him a major threat both defensively and offensively. In the outfield, his quickness covers more ground than most, providing the Braves with extra security, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. out. On the base paths, his speed turns even a simple walk or single into a potential run, something Atlanta can definitely use as the season grinds on.
I have seen the comments floating around the fanbase, and I have to agree with a lot of you. It is time for White to be featured more in this Braves lineup. Honestly, last night’s lineup looks like the best combination Atlanta can put out there for the time being until Acuña returns, which is still a little while away. Even when Acuña comes back, what is better than having depth? Atlanta has the opportunity to turn into one of the most productive lineups if everything stays on the path it is going.
For now, the Braves need to stick to what works. I know the sample size has been small, but there is still a lot of ground to cover this season, and this team needs consistency. Players need to get into a groove. Stop the constant shuffling with Kelenic and White, and just make it set with White. The stats do not lie. 3-for-8 with a home run and five RBIs versus 2-for-13 with minimal production? I think that is called a no-brainer.
White’s upward trajectory right now cannot be ignored. He brings in runs, and that is something Atlanta has struggled to do consistently, ranking just middle of the pack in the National League in runs scored per game so far. Just this week alone, White played a major role in two key victories. In the series finale against the Cardinals and again last night against the Diamondbacks, White drove in a total of five runs. His biggest moment came with his game-winning three-run homer to lift the Braves over St. Louis, a reminder of the kind of spark he can provide when called upon.
Braves manager Brian Snitker has recognized how Eli White continues to show up despite limited playing time, making the most of every opportunity and showing signs that he could be a dependable, consistent piece for the team moving forward. After White’s clutch three-run homer against St. Louis, the Braves' manager was thrilled for White and had high praise. Snitker said, "The guy does everything right. Cares, works hard, understands his role. He provides a lot for us. That was a bomb. I'm happy for us. I'm happy for Eli that he got to experience that."
As the Braves push deeper into the season, there will be inevitable ups and downs, minor injuries, and lineup adjustments. Having a player like Eli White, who can step in and deliver without missing a beat, is invaluable. But maybe it is time to go beyond spot starts and pinch-running duties. Maybe it is time for Eli White to become a more permanent fixture in Atlanta’s lineup.
Because if what we have seen lately is any indication, White is ready to do even more.
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