While many Braves fans are anticipating the return of slugger Freddie Freeman, the offense could potentially be getting an even further boost in August with the return of Sean Rodriguez.
In a piece with David O’ Brien, manager Brian Snitker discussed the possibility of Rodriguez being able to return in a couple of months. He has officially resumed doing baseball activities with the team, as he moved up to hitting off a tee in recent days.
Rodriguez was signed by the Braves coming off a career 2016 season, but he and his family are lucky to be alive after sustaining horrible injuries as part of a deadly car crash involving a stolen police cruiser. Rodriguez sustained a serious shoulder injury that required surgery, one that many believed would ultimately cost him the enter 2017 season.
If Rodriguez can come back, he offers the Braves yet another option at the hot corner, and at the very worst, a huge power boost off the bench. However, with the diagnosis of a torn rotator cuff, a damaged labrum, and a dislocated bicep tendon, the team will be cautious with his recovery. After all, this is why the team traded for Brandon Phillips in wake of the injury.
The Braves signed Rodriguez to a two year, $11.5 million contract. In 2016, he hit .270 with 18 homers and 56 RBI with the Pittsburgh Pirates.