Last night was gorgeous in Atlanta — not a cloud in the sky and hovering around 70 degrees — a perfect setting for baseball, and it was supposed to be Opening Day at Truist Park, which of course, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the Braves didn’t leave us totally hanging. They gave fans their own version of Opening Day, which included several interviews from Freddie Freeman, Brian Snitker, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos — who provided us with some information regarding Brian Snitker’s most gut-wrenching, the third base battle between Austin Riley and Johan Camargo.
According to Anthopoulos, both players were on track to make the Opening Day roster, at least for the first few weeks until the AAA season began, following their scorching hot performances in Spring Training. In all likelihood — if they proved they could coincide — both would have stayed in the majors. However, if either struggled with fewer at-bats, one would be sent down to AAA to receive everyday action.
That was the plan if the season were to start on time. However, since we know it won’t and have been informed that the beginning of the schedule will consist of minimal off days and plenty of doubleheaders, there is no reason to keep either of these guys off the roster. As Harrison Coburn pointed out in an article yesterday, both of these players can play third base but have also been placed all over the diamond in their brief careers. With so many games in such a short period, guys are going to need rest, allowing Camargo and Riley to receive plenty of at-bats, regardless of who is starting at third base.
You must log in to post a comment.