ATLANTA (AP) — Alex Verdugo shook his head when reminded the Atlanta Braves are 2-0 since he was recalled this week.
“I’m not taking credit for it yet,” Verdugo said.
Even so, Verdugo’s four hits and two runs scored in Saturday night’s over the Minnesota Twins provided evidence he has given a spark to the offense as the team’s new leadoff hitter and starting left fielder.
With Verdugo in the lineup, the Braves have posted back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Verdugo’s four hits included two doubles and a sixth-inning single that drove in the go-ahead run.
“It feels good,” Verdugo said. “Obviously, being at the top of the lineup, kind of instantly thrown into it, get on base, have good at-bats, things like that. And I think for me it feels good to get some hits.”
Verdugo was to help boost a slumping offense after signing a on March 20.
When asked after Saturday night’s game what he expected when Verdugo was added to the roster, manager Brian Snitker said, “Just professional at-bats, good at-bats, which he’s done already.”
Added Snitker: “It’s kind of why we’re excited about getting him here.”
Bryan De La Cruz was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett with Verdugo’s arrival. In his first two games, Verdugo has started in left field with Michael Harris II in center and Jarred Kelenic in right field.
The left-handed hitting Verdugo has a career batting average of .272. He could retain a starting job even after 2023 NL MVP returns from surgery to repair his torn left ACL, perhaps in May.
The 28-year-old Verdugo hit .233 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs for the New York Yankees in 2024 following four seasons with Boston. He had an $8.7 million base salary last season and earned $50,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances.
Snitker hopes Verdugo’s disciplined at-bats have an impact on others in the lineup.
“He gives me a lot of information from his first at-bat,” Harris said. “It helps me out as another lefty.”
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