The Atlanta Braves are facing challenges in finding a reliable solution for their left field position. Mike Yastremski, a second-generation major leaguer, has a unique last name that he learned to spell as a child using a catchy jingle.
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Atlanta Braves left fielder MikeĀ YastremskiĀ learned how to spell his unique last name to the tune of The Mickey Mouse Club television show:
āM-I-C ... K-E-Y ... M-O-U-S-E ..." Remember the melody?
When the second-generation major leaguer was a child, he initially struggled with spelling his name. His grandmother had the idea of putting his name to the familiar kidsā jingle:
āY-A-S ... T-R-E ... M-S-K-I ...ā
Easy as 1-2-3.
WhatāsĀ not so easy to solve has been the void Jurickson Profar has left in the Braves' outfield. The 12-year major leaguer is serving a season-long, league-imposed suspension for a banned substance.
Needing additional organizational depth, the Braves pivoted and signed Yastremeski to a two-year, $23 million contract last December. The 35-year-old journeyman was considered a better defensive option than Profar, but his .180 batting average to open the campaign is starting to expose the Braves' lineup.
Profar lost his $15 million salary. The Braves lost, too.
Yastremski broke spring training with five hits in his opening 10 at-bats, but so far, that's been his regular-season high mark. In April, he entered Monday's series opener against the visiting Miami Marlins with just four hits in his previous 37 at-bats. The former 2013 14th-round draft choice has not driven in a run since April 2.
The Braves (10-6) opened the series with a two-game lead over the second-place Marlins (8-8) in the NL East, despite getting limited production from their left fielders. "Yaz" snapped a four-game hitless skid with a single and run scored, sparking the Braves to a 13-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. With a pennant on the line, how patient will Weiss be with Yastremski?
It's not an easy decision.
Will Braves manager Walt Weiss consider playing Eli White more?
Another solution could come with Ha-Seong Kim expected to return soon, freeing up Mauricio Dubon to patrol the outfield.
Could the Braves pursue a left fielder at the trade deadline?
Any future transaction comes back to Profar and the Braves' brass attempting to fill the void.
The Braves are struggling to find a consistent and reliable player for their left field position.
Mike Yastremski is a second-generation major leaguer known for his unique last name, which he learned to spell as a child using a jingle.
He learned to spell his last name by using a jingle from The Mickey Mouse Club television show, created by his grandmother.
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