Jace Peterson is penciled in as the Braves’ primary third baseman while Adonis Garcia is on the 10-day disabled list, but the rookie they brought up Wednesday, Johan Camargo, could also see time at the position.
The Braves recalled Camargo, a versatile infielder, from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the roster spot of Garcia, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list late Tuesday with left Achilles tendinitis.
“It’s unfortunate for Adonis, but for this team it’s next man up,” said Peterson, the Braves’ former starting second baseman who moved to a utility bench role this season. “For me it’s just continuing to prepare at all these positions. For now I’ll be at third, and just wish Adonis quick healing.”
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Camargo’s defensive flexibility — he can play second base, shortstop, third base and, if necessary, the outfield — and switch-hitting ability gave him an edge over other call-up possibilities such as third-base prospect Rio Ruiz.
Camargo, 23, hit .307 (27-for-88) with five doubles, three homers, 15 RBIs and an .806 OPS in 22 games at Gwinnett, and was 1-for-4 with an RBI single in five games for the Braves from April 11-19 in his first major league stint.
“I may throw Camargo over there and let him play a little bit,” Snitker said. “But yeah, for now (Peterson is the primary third baseman). … Camargo, you can throw him in there at third, second and short, that’s the luxury of him. He’s been swinging the bat good.
“But Jace has done a really good job. It’ll be good to get him active a little more.”
Camargo has extensive minor league experience at third base and shortstop and was considered for a major league utility job at spring training before a rash of errors at shortstop indicated he might need more time in the minors.
Garcia started at third base in 31 of the Braves’ first 32 games before missing games Saturday and Tuesday with the Achilles problem that worsened this week in Toronto. Garcia hit .282 with three homers and 13 RBIs in his last 19 games before going on the DL.
“Playing a game on that turf (at Toronto on Monday) probably didn’t help,” Snitker said. “I told him, dude, I know exactly what you’re going through.”
As Snitker spoke he sat in the dugout at SunTrust Park with his right foot in a protective boot because of Achilles tendinitis that worsened in the past month.
“(Garcia) at least could get to first,” Snitker joked, “I’m barely getting to the mound with mine.”
When Garcia’s discomfort level increased Tuesday, the DL decision was made.
“I’m like, you come out of the (batter’s) box, make a step and that thing blows, you may not come back (for a long time),” Snitker said. “It’s just something where I’d rather be safe than sorry. The thing you worry about with him is that he’s so freaking tough, and his pain threshold is so great — he played with his thumb hanging by a threat all last year after that dive at St. Louis. He’s such a tough guy, he’s not going to protect himself. He wants to play. I just felt — and so did all the medical staff — that it’s probably not a good ideal to push this.”
Before Wednesday, Peterson had three starts at third base this season, including Tuesday at Toronto. He hit .214 with a .621 OPS in 81 plate appearances, including 3-for-24 (.125) with a double, two RBIs and a .300 OBP in his past nine games.
In addition to Camargo, Braves utility men Emilio Bonifacio and Danny Santana also have some experience at third base, though very limited in recent seasons. Neither would likely play there unless Peterson and Camargo were unavailable for some reason late in a game.
