So far this season just three Braves players have been lineup regulars and manager Fredi Gonzalez said Monday that’s the way it will stay.
Responding to a report that rookie Jace Peterson will be the regular second baseman, Gonzalez said Monday that he plans to continue mixing-and-matching the lineup.
“We will keep doing what we are doing,” Gonzalez said. “(Peterson) is having some good at-bats. Obviously in this game the more success you have, the more playing time you get.”
Peterson was in the lineup at second base for Monday’s game against the Nationals for his 13th start in 17 games played this season. He started the first five games of the season at second base before Gonzalez began to work Alberto Callaspo (four starts at second base) and Phil Gosselin (two) into the lineup.
The Braves acquired Peterson from the Padres as part of the Justin Upton trade in December. He made the big-league roster with a strong performance in spring training but has yet to claim the regular job at second base while hitting .182 with a .260 on-base percentage entering Monday.
Christian Bethancourt was projected to be the regular catcher but has instead split time with veteran A.J. Pierzynski, who has been the club’s best hitter early in the season. Like Peterson, Bethancourt is a highly-touted prospect who has been lackluster at the plate so far: a .147 average with a .194 on-base percentage entering Monday.
Gonzalez said he tries to strike a balance between giving young players enough at-bats to show what they can do against the need to fill out a competitive lineup.
“Obviously there are some guys you want out there,” Gonzalez said. “I think where we are at in our stage, this is the major leagues. You’ve got to put the best lineup out there that gives you a chance to win. You’ve got to produce. Do you want certain guys to be the guy? Sure. But I am not in a position to say I am just going to give you a job just because you are the No. 7 prospect in Baseball America or whatever.”
The Braves are looking to the future after drastically changing their roster via trades in the offseason. Only first baseman Freddie Freeman, right fielder Nick Markakis and shortstop Andrelton Simmons have been regular fixtures in the lineup.
Gonzalez said he owes it to the team to use the players who are producing now and have a track record of doing it in the big leagues.
“What are you going to tell the other guy who is hitting .400, .380 and every time you put them in there they do well?” Gonzalez said. “Am I rooting for guys like Peterson and Bethancourt and all those guys to play well? Sure, I’m rooting for those guys.”
