The Braves DH

[CrimsonCowboy]

Whether we want it or not, the designated hitter is here. Who should be the Braves DH?

Marcell Ozuna
Nick Markakis
Austin Riley
Johan Camargo
Other (Please specify)

[thewupk]

With the options currently available the best solution would be to platoon Neck and Riley. And run Ozuna, Ender, Acuna in the outfield.

Whether it's at DH or 3B I would have Riley in against any lefty starter.

[clvclv]

With the options currently available the best solution would be to platoon Neck and Riley. And run Ozuna, Ender, Acuna in the outfield.

Whether it's at DH or 3B I would have Riley in against any lefty starter.

This.

[Slippyjms]

So definitely not Camargo or Riley. If Riley’s not performing well enough to play 3rd he definitely doesn’t need to be DHing.

I’d say a Markakis/Ozuna platoon at DH with Duvall playing the outfield vs lefties.

[Eyeman]

Assuming Duvall is back at 2019 and not 2018 levels, I'd cover DH and LF with fairly equal numbers of at bats from Neck, Ozuna, and Duvall. Ozuna should be the better hitter, Duvall the better fielder, and then Markakis getting a bump due to being the only left hander.

[Carp]

Some combination of Neck, Riley, and Duvall.

[mfree80]

Don't like having to choose just one. It will most likely be a combination of the aforementioned OF's (of course including Riley).

[Enscheff]

The Braves have 5 OFers: Acuna (R), Ozuna (R), Duvall (R), Ender (L), Markakis (L)

It will make most sense to rotate through those guys in the OF/DH based on pitcher handedness, and rotating Riley in vs LHP.

Ozuna is even worse defensively than Markakis, so vs RHP: Acuna RF, Ender CF, Markakis LF, Ozuna DH

Then vs LHP: Duvall RF, Acuna CF, Ozuna LF, Riley DH

Some flexibility will be required to get guys like Freeman, Acuna, and Albies occasional days at DH, but this should be the blueprint for the most part.

The other issue is going to be limiting Camargo's PAs vs RHP, but I have no idea how that can be accomplished since I haven't been keeping up on who may be available.

I'm sure Twitker will find a way to get Markakis in the OF every single day though.

[JohnAdcox]

Wouldn't it make the most sense to just DH Ozuna, and platoon Duvall and Markakis in left?

[thewupk]

Wouldn't it make the most sense to just DH Ozuna, and platoon Duvall and Markakis in left?

noodle arm doesn't need to see the field

[JohnAdcox]

noodle arm doesn't need to see the field

Can you narrow that down?

[Dalyn]

Can you narrow that down?

lol Right?

[thewupk]

Can you narrow that down?

Just neck for now.

[clvclv]

Wouldn't it make the most sense to just DH Ozuna, and platoon Duvall and Markakis in left?

Defensively, probably.

Thing is, we "know" Markakis can handle the DH role since he's done it in the past. It wouldn't seem that hard for Ozuna (or just about anyone for that matter) on the surface, but there have been guys that just haven't been cut out for that job in the past. I can recall interviews with plenty of guys who've said they "need" to play defense to keep their heads in the game. (Seems like even Chipper was one of those FWIW.)

Following the Astros' scandal MLB is supposedly cutting down on players watching video and spending time in the underground cages so they don't cheat. Not sure how much that will change things overall. IIRC, we rarely saw Big Papi and most pure DHs in the dugout anytime there was a chance their turn might come up soon - they usually disappeared for an inning or two to get the juices flowing again, etc..

[Heyward]

Some combo of Riley/Markakis/Ozuna with Freeman, Albies, Acuna getting the occasional day off but still staying in the lineup but DH'ing that day.

[NYCBrave]

Some combo of Riley/Markakis/Ozuna with Freeman, Albies, Acuna getting the occasional day off but still staying in the lineup but DH'ing that day.

With only a 60 game season, have to wonder our core guys of Freeman, Albies and Acuna will rest at all. Definitely makes sense for them to take a day or two. Not sure how much urgency the organization feels to treat every game like a playoff game.

[thewupk]

With only a 60 game season, have to wonder our core guys of Freeman, Albies and Acuna will rest at all. Definitely makes sense for them to take a day or two. Not sure how much urgency the organization feels to treat every game like a playoff game.

Recent evidence suggests they don't worry about resting players

[Runnin]

DH by committee until the right fit appears. Keep the hot bat in the lineup.

[CyYoung31]

I hope Freeman’s elbow got enough rest.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Always the chance we acquire Bryant tomorrow 😂