Braves designate Orlando Arcia for assignment to make room for Acuña

“I think we all know that it’s a business, and for me it’s obviously mixed emotions,” Acuña said through team interpreter Franco García. “Obviously I’m happy to be back, but I’m sad that was the move. He’s been my teammate for a long time, and friend. I think if you would’ve told me that was the move, I probably would’ve asked if I could spend another week down in Gwinnett. But like I said, it’s a business.”

Arcia was part of the Braves’ World Series team in 2021. On Thursday night, Braves manager Brian Snitker had to be part of the conversation in which the Braves delivered the news to Arcia.

“That was a hard conversation, because that guy’s done a lot for us,” Snitker said. “We won a lot of games with him here. Unfortunately, things change, and it didn’t work out. But it was a good conversation, he got it. And we’ll see — we’d love to have him back. Go through the process and I told him, for his career, if he would want to get everything done and go to Triple-A and play, we’d love to have him."

Earlier this season, Arcia lost the starting shortstop job to Nick Allen. Arcia had been the starter since 2023, after Dansby Swanson departed in free agency before that season.

Arcia was 6-for-31 this season before the Braves designated him for assignment. After they acquired him in 2021, he hit .238 with a .680 OPS. But he was an All-Star for his terrific first half in 2023.

At this point, Arcia offered the Braves little value. His defense was his calling card, but Allen’s glove is superior. Arcia’s bat wasn’t good enough to be a viable pinch-hit option. And he doesn’t run fast, which means he’s not a good pinch-running option.

Stuart Fairchild, the seldom-used outfielder, offers more versatility because of his defense and speed. Alex Verdugo is a left-handed batter who gave the Braves a spark upon his arrival.

With Arcia gone, Luke Williams is the backup shortstop. Eli White, who can play outfield and infield, will work more in the infield before games as well.

Arcia didn’t have much of a fit on this roster. But his teammates will miss him.

“It’s tough,” Austin Riley said. “Been with Arcia the whole time he’s been here. He loves the game. And had some good moments here. He was an All-Star here, and part of the World Series when we won. He’s a great human being. It’s tough. The business side — at the end of the day, it is a business, so you understand that, but wish him all the best."