Jarred Kelenic Sent to Triple-A After Double Standard Controversy with Ronald Acuña Jr.

The Atlanta Braves have sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic down to Triple-A Gwinnett, just days after his name sparked a double standard debate inside the clubhouse. The drama started after Kelenic, in an April 19 game, admired what he thought was a home run and strolled out of the batter’s box—only for the ball to stay in play. Attempting to hustle for a double, he was thrown out at second base. Let’s just say, he probably wishes he’d put a little more pep in his step from the start.

Manager Brian Snitker was asked postgame whether Kelenic would face any discipline for his lack of hustle. Apparently baffled by the question, Snitker’s non-response didn’t sit well with Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who aired his frustration on X. Acuña wrote, "If it were me, they would take me out of the game"—a post he later deleted, but not before it made waves among fans and media.

Turns out, Acuña’s not just blowing smoke. Back in 2019, Snitker benched Acuña for a similar lack of hustle, after he failed to run out a play, saying bluntly, "You’ve got to run. It’s not going to be acceptable here." So, the double standard isn’t just a theory—it’s got some real history behind it.

Despite the social media storm, Kelenic’s demotion seems to be more about his bat than his base running. He’s hitting just .167 with a .531 OPS in 65 plate appearances—a stat line that’s hard to defend, even for the most patient manager. Once a top prospect, Kelenic’s numbers have struggled to live up to the hype since breaking into the majors, first with the Mariners and now with the Braves.

Kelenic’s journey started with the New York Mets, but after a trade to Seattle and then to Atlanta, he’s still searching for his breakout moment. For now, he’ll try to find his swing in Triple-A, while the Braves work through the aftershocks of another clubhouse controversy.