Eddie Rosario is a professional baseball player who has established himself as one of the top outfielders in the game. Since making his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2015, Rosario has consistently been a productive hitter, averaging over 20 home runs and 70 RBIs per season.
In March of 2022, he signed a lucrative two-year, $18 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, which includes a $9 million team option for 2024.
Despite his impressive track record, Rosario was not in the lineup for a game against the Kansas City Royals on a Saturday, leaving many fans and analysts wondering whether he is still playing or not.
This question is important for both Braves fans and fantasy baseball enthusiasts alike, as Rosario’s performance could have a significant impact on the team’s success and his fantasy value.
In this blog post, we will explore whether Eddie Rosario is still playing and what factors might be affecting his playing time.
Eddie Rosario’s Career
Eddie Rosario began his professional career in 2010 when he was signed by the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Twins’ minor league system and made his Major League debut in 2015.
Rosario played for the Twins for six seasons, earning a reputation as a reliable hitter with a strong arm in the outfield. In 2021, he joined the Cleveland Indians and had another solid season, hitting .254 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs in 78 games.
His Strengths and Weaknesses
Rosario’s strengths as a player include his ability to hit for power, his defensive skills in the outfield, and his versatility. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions and can hit for both average and power, making him a valuable asset to any team.
However, he has also been criticized for his tendency to swing at pitches outside the strike zone, which can lead to a high number of strikeouts and a low on-base percentage.
His Current Status in the League
Currently, Eddie Rosario is widely considered to be one of the top outfielders in the league. Despite a slow start to the 2022 season, he has shown in the past that he can be a consistent and productive hitter.
His strong arm and defensive skills make him a valuable addition to any team’s outfield, and his versatility allows him to be used in a variety of roles.
Additionally, his recent contract with the Braves suggests that the team has confidence in his ability to perform at a high level.
Eddie Rosario’s Contract
In March of 2022, Eddie Rosario signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Atlanta Braves. The deal includes $16 million in guaranteed money over the first two seasons and a $9 million team option for the 2024 season.
Rosario received a $2 million signing bonus and will earn $8 million in 2022 and $6 million in 2023.
$9 Million Team Option for 2024
The team option for the 2024 season is worth $9 million and includes a $1 million buyout if the Braves choose not to exercise the option.
This option gives the Braves flexibility in their roster construction, as they can choose to retain Rosario for another year at a relatively affordable price or let him go if they decide to pursue other options.
How the Contract Affects Rosario’s Playing Time
The size of Rosario’s contract and the team option for 2024 suggest that the Braves see him as a significant part of their roster both now and in the future.
However, the presence of other talented outfielders on the team, such as Ronald Acuna Jr. and Marcell Ozuna, means that Rosario’s playing time may be affected.
Additionally, his performance on the field will ultimately determine how much playing time he receives, as the Braves will likely prioritize the best possible lineup in their quest for a championship.
Why Eddie Rosario Might Not Be Playing
There could be several reasons why Eddie Rosario was not in the lineup for a game against the Kansas City Royals. One possibility is that he was given a day off to rest and recover from any minor injuries or fatigue.
Another possibility is that the team wanted to give other outfielders a chance to play, such as Kevin Pillar or Eli White.
Additionally, the matchup against left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic may have played a role in the decision to bench Rosario, as he has struggled against lefties in the past.
Factors Affecting the Decision to Start or Bench Rosario
The decision to start or bench Rosario is likely based on a variety of factors, including his recent performance, the matchups against opposing pitchers, and the team’s overall strategy.
If Rosario is struggling at the plate or in the field, the coaching staff may choose to give him some time off to work on his mechanics or mental approach.
Similarly, if the team is facing a particularly tough pitcher or needs to play a certain style of game, they may opt to start a different outfielder who is better suited to the situation.
Braves’ Current Outfield Situation
The Braves’ current outfield situation is relatively crowded, with several talented players vying for playing time.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is a superstar and will likely start in right field whenever he is healthy. Marcell Ozuna is also a talented outfielder who has a lot of experience and a proven track record.
Additionally, Kevin Pillar and Eli White have both shown that they can be effective in limited roles. This competition for playing time means that Rosario may need to perform at a high level in order to secure a regular spot in the lineup.
Why Eddie Rosario Might Still Be Playing
Even though Eddie Rosario was not in the starting lineup for a game against the Kansas City Royals, he may still be playing a key role for the Braves. One reason for this is that he may be used as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement later in the game.
His ability to hit for power and drive in runs could make him a valuable asset in late-game situations where the Braves need a big hit.
Additionally, his defensive versatility allows him to play multiple positions in the outfield, which could be helpful in certain matchups or situations.
His Potential Role as a Substitute Player
As a substitute player, Rosario’s role on the team may be just as important as that of the regular starters. He could be called upon to provide a spark off the bench or to play a key defensive role in the later innings of a close game.
His ability to play multiple positions also makes him a valuable asset as a substitute player, as he can fill in for other outfielders or even infielders if needed.
Braves’ Roster Strategy
The Braves’ roster strategy likely involves balancing the need for regular starters with the importance of having a deep bench. With so many talented players on the roster, the coaching staff may choose to rotate the starting lineup in order to keep everyone fresh and motivated.
This also allows them to evaluate different players in different situations and to make adjustments based on performance. The team’s ultimate goal is to win games and compete for a championship, and having a strong roster with depth and versatility is a key part of that strategy.
Eddie Rosario’s Playing Status
| Date | Opponent | Position | Playing Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/15/2023 | Kansas City | Outfield | Not in lineup |
| 4/14/2023 | Washington | Outfield | Started |
| 4/13/2023 | Washington | Outfield | Started |
| 4/12/2023 | Miami | Outfield | Started |
| 4/11/2023 | Miami | Outfield | Not in lineup |
| 4/10/2023 | Miami | Outfield | Started |
| 4/9/2023 | Philadelphia | Outfield | Started |
| 4/8/2023 | Philadelphia | Outfield | Started |
| 4/7/2023 | Philadelphia | Outfield | Started |
| 4/6/2023 | Washington | Outfield | Started |
This table shows Eddie Rosario’s playing status for the past 10 games, including the date of the game, the opponent, his position, and whether he was in the starting lineup or not.
By tracking his playing status over time, it may be possible to identify patterns or trends in his usage by the coaching staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Eddie Rosario start in every game for the Braves?
It’s unlikely that Rosario will start in every game for the Braves. The team has a deep and talented roster, and the coaching staff will likely rotate the starting lineup in order to keep everyone fresh and motivated. However, Rosario’s ability to play multiple positions in the outfield and hit for power will make him a valuable asset for the team throughout the season.
Is Eddie Rosario injured?
There is no information to suggest that Rosario is currently injured. If he were, the team would likely provide updates on his status and availability for games.
How does Eddie Rosario’s contract affect his playing time?
Eddie Rosario’s contract, which includes a two-year, $18 million deal with a $9 million team option for 2024, indicates that the Braves see him as a valuable player. However, his contract alone does not guarantee him playing time. The coaching staff will make decisions based on a variety of factors, including his recent performance, the matchups against opposing pitchers, and the team’s overall strategy.
Will Eddie Rosario be traded or released by the Braves?
There is no information to suggest that Eddie Rosario will be traded or released by the Braves at this time. As a valuable player with a multi-year contract, Rosario is likely to remain with the team for the foreseeable future. However, in the unpredictable world of professional sports, anything is possible.
To Recap
While Eddie Rosario was not in the starting lineup for a game against the Kansas City Royals, he remains an important player for the Braves. His two-year, $18 million contract and the $9 million team option for 2024 demonstrate the team’s commitment to him as a player.
Rosario’s strengths as a hitter and his defensive versatility make him a valuable asset for the Braves, even if he is not in the starting lineup every day.
The decision to start or bench Rosario is likely based on a variety of factors, including his recent performance, the matchups against opposing pitchers, and the team’s overall strategy.
Ultimately, the Braves’ roster strategy involves balancing the need for regular starters with the importance of having a deep bench, and Rosario’s role as a substitute player is just as important as that of the regular starters.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Braves use Rosario and how he contributes to the team’s success.
