The 24-year-old, who has taken over the role due to the injury of star Ronald Acuña Jr., homered and drove in two runs, contributing to the Braves' 3-1 win on Sunday.

Since moving to the leadoff spot, Kelenic has been in excellent form, hitting .324 with three home runs and six RBIs in eight games. His impressive performance has not gone unnoticed, with Braves manager Brian Snitker praising his ability to seize the opportunity presented to him.

Kelenic's overall season statistics stand at a solid .270 batting average with seven home runs and 21 RBIs. Prior to becoming the Braves' leadoff hitter, he started 22 games in the No. 9 spot, 15 games hitting eighth, and nine games batting seventh.

Speaking about his approach at the plate, Kelenic emphasized his focus on each individual at-bat, allowing the game to guide his decisions. The outfielder was originally drafted by the New York Mets as the sixth overall pick in the 2018 amateur draft. However, he was later traded to the Mariners in December of that year.

Kelenic's tenure with the Mariners saw some struggles at the plate, with batting averages of .141 in 2021 and .141 the following year. However, he rebounded in the 2023 season with a .253 average, 11 home runs, and 49 RBIs. Unfortunately, he was also plagued by injuries, breaking a bone in his left foot during a midseason slump.

In December, Kelenic was traded to the Braves after posting a .204 batting average, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs in 252 games with the Mariners. With the Braves, he has primarily faced right-handed pitchers, batting .275 against them compared to .250 against lefties.

Kelenic's recent success also aligns with the Braves' resurgence. After a five-game losing streak, the team has rallied, winning eight of their last ten games. Their recent victories include two out of three against the Yankees, as well as series wins against the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers.

The Braves' manager, Snitker, acknowledged the importance of the series against the Yankees and believes that the team is gradually reaching their full potential. Despite their recent success, he believes there is still room for improvement.

In a separate development, New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz has found himself in hot water. During the team's 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs, Díaz was ejected after an inspection revealed a foreign substance on his hand. This incident marks the eighth suspension of a pitcher for sticky substances since MLB's crackdown in 2021.

Díaz's ejection came before he even threw a pitch, as umpires discovered a sticky substance on his glove and throwing hand. The umpire cited an excessive combination of rosin, sweat, and dirt as the reason for the ejection. Díaz, who expressed surprise, confessed to using rosin, sweat, and a bit of dirt to gain better control over the ball.

This suspension presents a challenge for the Mets, as they will need to find a temporary closer for the next two weeks. Currently on a winning streak, having won four straight series, the Mets will face the New York Yankees before hosting the Houston Astros.

Manager Carlos Mendoza remains confident that the team will adapt to this setback. He acknowledged the adversity they have faced throughout the season and believes they will find a way to navigate through it.

As both Kelenic and the Braves continue to excel, the young outfielder's presence at the top of the batting order provides a promising outlook for the team. With Kelenic's batting skills and the team's recent resurgence, the Braves aim to maintain their winning momentum and make a push towards success in the upcoming games.