In the first 17 games of the season, last year’s NLCS MVP couldn’t have started worse. It currently only reaches 0.068 with a -21 OPS+, resulting in -1.1 bWAR. He’s not the guy Braves fans are used to seeing, but it seems there’s a reason for the early-season struggles. Late last night, the team announced that Rosario was going to undergo laser eye surgery to repair his vision.
Medical update on Eddie Rosario:
OF Eddie Rosario saw a retina specialist today and will undergo laser surgery in the coming days to correct blurry vision and swelling in his right eye.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 26, 2022
As a man with a lot of eye problems myself, I can’t imagine what it would be like trying to hit a major league pitcher without being able to see properly. Hopefully this operation will solve the problem, but in any case, the Braves will have to find a replacement for the next two months. Rosario is expected to be out for at least seven to eight weeks.
@brave Our NLCS MVP is apparently undergoing eye surgery. Will be out 7-8 weeks (via @baerga9 on IG). ¡Mucha salud y pronta recuperation, Campeon @EddieRosario09! pic.twitter.com/e5G5VKdTFi
—Emmanuel (@crazywacko) April 26, 2022
If there was one black spot on the Braves’ roster heading into the season, it’s their depth. There aren’t many inspiring options they can turn to, especially with Ronald Acuña still on the IL. Nothing will force Acuña to return sooner; however, if cleared, I expect it to be reactivated very soon.
Until then, the Braves will likely use a field of guys to replace his production, like Orlando Arcia, Guillermo Heredia and Travis Demeritte. I know many fans are hoping for an appearance from Michael Harris or Drew Waters, but I find that highly unlikely. The Braves will likely hold the fort with what they have until Acuña returns, which could be sooner than expected.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
