KISSIMMEE, Fla. – There’s more speed in the Braves’ organization than there’s been in quite some time, and it’s been evident in the first two weeks of spring-training games.
Outfielders Ender Inciarte and Mallex Smith each tripled in Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the Astros, giving the Braves eight triples to lead the Grapefruit League. Smith has three triples to tie another center-field prospect, the Philles’ Roman Quinn, for the majors lead.
Smith’s triple came in his only plate appearance Sunday on a ball misplayed by former Braves outfielder Eury Perez. That didn’t make the speed that Smith (again) displayed any less impressive as he blazed to third base.
Leadoff hitter Inciarte also had an RBI double Sunday, and 2-hole hitter Erick Aybar had three hits including two doubles.
“When you’ve got Mallex Smith, who’s been on fire so far in spring training, making a good impression,” Braves No. 3 hitter Freddie Freeman said, “and when you’ve got Inciarte and Aybar at the top of your lineup – they don’t strike out very often, they’re going to put the ball in play, they’re finding some holes right now and they’re definitely creating some havoc on the bases.
“It seemed like every single time up I had a guy in scoring position today, so hopefully that continues in the season.”
Smith’s other two triples came in the first inning of the second spring-training game against Baltimore. He’s 8-for-25 (.320) this spring, and all but one of his hits have gone for extra bases, including one homer and three doubles.
Although Smith isn’t expected to make the team – the Braves have Inciarte in center, flanked by Hector Olivera in left field and Nick Markakis in right – it won’t surprised anyone if he’s brought up two or three months into the season.
And down the road, when the Braves have a middle infield of Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson (who also has a triple), they could have one of the fastest teams in baseball.
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