Jarred Kelenic apparently still has some fundamentals to learn in MLB Year 5.
The Atlanta Braves outfielder Kelenic humiliated himself during Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. In the sixth inning of the contest with the score tied 3-3, Kelenic stepped up to the plate with a runner on first. On an 0-1 count, Kelenic lifted a high fly ball into deep right field off Twins righty Simeon Woods Richardson.
Kelenic stood back to admire his work and slow-jogged his way to first base. Regrettably for him though, the ball fell short of the wall, and he had to suddenly hustle his way into second base. The throw beat Kelenic, who was originally called safe after seemingly manuevering away from the tag. But upon replay review, the umpires determined that Kelenic had been tagged on the foot, and he was thus called out.
Despite this, the Braves managed to score two runs in that inning and cling on to defeat the Twins 4-3. However, that did not improve Kelenic’s reputation there.
The batter should always be running out of the box on first contact on any ball that isn’t a no-doubter. But regrettably, Kelenic, 25, made a mistake that was all too typical of him. He is a first-round selection and previous top prospect with good physical prowess and strength. However, Kelenic is also notorious for his lack of maturity, and over the years, he has committed everything from shameful self-inflicted injuries to unsightly outfield misplays.
