Pache headed to IL with groin tightness
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ATLANTA -- Instead of halting his alarming offensive struggles, Braves top prospect Cristian Pache will spend the next couple of weeks recovering from a strained left groin.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said that Pache will be placed on the injured list and a corresponding move will be made Wednesday. The young outfielder has been battling recent discomfort and was forced to exit before the fifth inning of Tuesday night’s 14-8 loss to the Marlins at Truist Park.
“He had a little problem a couple days ago,” Snitker said. “We let him sit [on Monday]. It was just grabbing [at] him. So, we're gonna take care of it.”
Ender Inciarte finished Tuesday’s game as Atlanta’s center fielder. The three-time Gold Glove Award winner has struggled offensively over the past couple of years, so it’s not a certainty he would serve as the primary center fielder while Pache is sidelined.
Snitker didn’t reveal who would replace Pache on the roster. Guillermo Heredia is the only available outfielder on the Braves’ 40-man roster.
Pache ranks as MLB Pipeline’s No. 11 prospect. Concerns about him being ready offensively have grown as the 22-year-old center fielder has hit .133 (4-for-30) with 13 strikeouts this season. He struck out in his two plate appearances Tuesday.