If Aaron Blair is going to factor into the Braves’ plans early in the season, he needs to make the most of every opportunity.
That didn’t happen Friday, when Blair was tagged for three runs on four hits in two innings against the Pirates. It was his first start of the spring and fourth appearance.
“I was falling behind in counts,” said Blair, who’s been focusing on his fastball command and change-up. “Even if you execute a pitch, hitters are going to hit it when they’re ahead in the count. That’s the one thing I can take out of today. Fall behind early so guys are swinging.”
Had Blair caught a single break, the start might’ve looked a lot different. Preston Tucker almost snagged a Corey Dickerson line drive to right, but the ball popped out of his glove. The result was a triple that scored all three baserunners.
“He threw some good changes, thought the breaking ball was OK,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Kind of settled in. First inning, if that ball had been 10 feet over, we’d have got out of it. That was some tough luck right there. OK overall.”
“He made a good play,” Blair said of Tucker’s attempt on the ball. “Just up in the air, wind blowing. So that’s just part of the game.”
Blair’s in the middle of a crowded competition for a spot on the opening-day roster. He’s likely competing for a long-reliever and spot-starter role.
He doesn’t give much thought to those around him, instead choosing to concentrate on himself and let the chips fall as they may.
“Whether I start in Atlanta or start in Gwinnett, I have to pitch, have to get outs,” Blair said. “My job is to come out and get better every day.”
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