Analysis: De La Cruz came in as a pinch hitter twice during Atlanta's road series against San Diego. Monday will be his first start of the 2025 season, and he'll see everyday role in the outfield until Ronald Acuna (knee) comes back following Jurickson Profar's 80-game suspension by Major League Baseball for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy. De La Cruz split time with Atlanta and Miami across 149 regular-season games in 2024 and finished with a slash line of .233/.271/.384 with 21 home runs and 68 RBI in 621 plate appearances.

Analysis: While the 28-year-old outfielder hasn't left the yard yet this spring, three of De La Cruz's hits have been doubles. The former Marlin is in line to handle the short side of a platoon in right field alongside Jarred Kelenic while Ronald Acuna completes his recovery from knee surgery, a role that should suit De La Cruz -- he slashed .285/.309/.425 in 188 plate appearances against left-handed pitching last year, versus a .210/.254/.365 line off righties in 433 PAs.