Braves rookie infielder Johan Camargo said he’s been feeling better, and manager Brian Snitker has noticed improvement.
“He looked good running around,” Snitker said. “He’s swinging. He’s walking around better. Basically (the trainers) told it’d be 10 days, two weeks. Hopefully we get him back out and let him play some (rehab) games before we get him back.”
Camargo suffered a freak injury when he fell taking the field before an Aug. 8 contest against the Phillies. He was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his knee and placed on the disabled list a day later.
Snitker said Aug. 14 that the 10-14 day estimate may have been optimistic, though Camargo has since made strides.
While Snitker suggested a rehab stint, he doesn’t think Camargo is close to that point yet. Running around the field hours before the game isn’t as taxing as game action.
“I don’t know that we’re there yet,” Snitker said. “I think we’re still a little ways off as far as putting expectations on him. … He’s going to have to get out here and run around a bit before we can even look at when he can start at the minor league. That’s still kind of iffy.”
Camargo’s return would revive the Braves’ infield cluster. With shortstop Dansby Swanson back in the majors and showing signs of life, the team will have to juggle playing time between him, Ozzie Albies, veteran Brandon Phillips (who’s performed admirably at his new third base position) and Camargo.
Camargo’s hot hand, paired with Swanson’s near season-long slump, resulted in Swanson’s demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett. Camargo started 11 consecutive games at shortstop after Swanson was sent down.
Swanson has seven hits over his past six games and has looked much more confident at the plate since he was recalled a day after Camargo’s injury. But Snitker doesn’t anticipate another platoon situation.
“Not necessarily,” Snitker said. “I mean, it depends on where we’re at right there. So he may have to come back and, Dansby’s doing well. We’ll just see, there’s enough to go around. He can still play a little third, second, short and keep him active. Hopefully keep them all going.”
The 23-year-old Camargo has perhaps been the Braves’ most pleasant surprise. Never a heralded prospect, Camargo hit .292./.327/.454 over 64 games (197), making a case to be part of the Braves’ future plans.
