Braves utility man Jace Peterson’s first career game in center field included a superlative catch in which he crashed face-first into the Turned Field wall.
With two outs in the third inning Sunday, Peterson got turned around on Nationals outfielder Chris Heisey’s drive to deep center . Peterson twisted one way and then the other, tracking the ball while running hard for it. He reached up to make the catch just before his face slammed hard against the wall, dislodging his sunglasses.
Peterson stayed down on the warning track for several minutes as a member of the Braves’ training staff made his way out to center field. Peterson eventually got up and jogging by the time he got to the infield. He took his position for the next inning and finished the game.
Peterson had never played center field in 216 previous games in the majors. He’s played 14 games in left field with the rest at second base (216) and third base (11).
Peterson has played 10 games in center field this season for Triple-A Gwinnett.
