While Braves infielders Freddie Freeman, Jace Peterson, Kelly Johnson and Erick Aybar are enduring struggles early this season, three key infield prospects continue their tear in the minors.
Third baseman Rio Ruiz (Triple-A Gwinnett), shortstop Ozzie Albies (Double-A Mississippi) and shortstop Dansby Swanson (high Single-A Carolina) have a combined batting average of .339 (75-for-221) with four home runs, 26 RBIs, 34 runs scored, 18 doubles and three triples. They have struck out 43 times and walked 25 times.
Albies has played in 20 games, and Ruiz and Swanson each has played in 19.
Their numbers individually:
Ruiz: .343 (24-for-70), 2 HRs, 10 RBIs, 10 runs scored, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 17 Ks, 7 walks, .403 OBP, .917 OPS
Albies: .351 (27-for-77), 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 11 runs scored, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 13 Ks, 7 walks, .412 OBP, .905 OPS
Swanson: .324 (24-for-74), 1 HR, 10 RBIs, 13 runs scored, 10 doubles, 0 triples, 13 Ks, 11 walks, .412 OBP, .912 OPS
Other Braves items of interest:
Faith in Aybar goes unrewarded in crucial pinch-hit appearance
Slumping Aybar could see time at second base
