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.
Here is the embarrassing video.
The Braves still managed to score two runs in that inning and hold on to defeat the Twins by the final score of 4-3. But that still did not make Kelenic look any better there.
On any ball is that isn’t a no-doubter, the batter should always be hustling out of the box on first contact. Unfortunately though, the blunder was all too in character for the 25-year-old Kelenic. He is a former top prospect and first-round pick who has solid power and physical skills. But Kelenic is also known for maturity issues and has turned in everything over the years from ugly misplays in the outfield to embarrassing self-inflicted injuries.
