Clemson Product Eli White Carves Out Key Platoon Role in Braves' Outfield
Clemson Product Eli White Carves Out Key Platoon Role in Braves' Outfield originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
From the ACC battlegrounds at Doug Kingsmore Stadium to a defined role in the Show, former Clemson Tiger Eli White is making his alma mater proud. The 30-year-old outfielder's recent torrid stretch at the plate has not only turned heads but has now officially earned him a significant spot in Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker's lineup strategy.
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Snitker announced that White, a right-handed hitter, will get the starting nod in left field against southpaw pitchers. This move creates a strategic platoon, with the left-handed hitting Alex Verdugo stepping in against right-handers. Verdugo himself has been productive against righties, hitting .309 with eight extra-base hits and a .760 OPS.
Jul 9, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves pinch hitter Eli White celebrates after hitting an RBI triple in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
But the big news for the Clemson faithful is White solidifying his place. This opportunity is a direct result of White seizing his moment. While primarily filling in due to injuries and other roster moves, he's slashed an impressive .291/.368/.447 against right-handed pitching, good for a potent .814 OPS with nine extra-base hits in 87 plate appearances. An eye-popping eight-game hitting streak, during which he launched two homers and drove in 12, essentially forced his way into more consistent playing time.
"Yeah, it's been special," White said of his recent performance, a stretch he feels has been "a long time coming."
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"My plan when we got Ronald (back) was, it's gonna obviously push Eli off of right field," Snitker explained. "And I think I felt like we'd have kind of a good right-left option in left. Honestly, I'm not going to rule out anything."
That role now looks like the strong side of a left-field platoon. It's a testament to White's impact that the Braves shifted their outfield plans, having previously optioned both Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz.
For White, the Easley, S.C. native who starred at Clemson before being drafted by the A's in 2016, it's a significant step. As Snitker commented on players who find their stride, "You never know when these guys might click."
Right now, the Clemson Tiger is clicking, and the Braves are banking on his continued production as they strategically deploy him in their pursuit of wins.
Related: Hunter Renfrow Making 'Huge Strides' in Panthers Camp After Health Battle
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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