Several of the Braves’ position players have arrived early in North Port to get a head start on their spring-training seasons.
Outfielders Ronald Acuna and second baseman Ozzie Albies, the Braves’ dynamic duo atop their lineup, were present when only pitchers and catchers were required to report Wednesday. Third basemen Johan Camargo and Austin Riley already are in camp. The two will compete for the opening day third-base job.
Outfielders Ender Inciarte and Adam Duvall, along with top outfield prospect Drew Waters are among the others also in camp. Waters is expected to make his MLB debut at some point this season.
It won’t be long until first baseman and team leader Freddie Freeman arrives, either. Chelsea, his wife, posted video on Instagram as she and their son, Charlie, bid farewell to Freeman’s plane Thursday.
Braves position players aren’t required to report until Monday, a day before the team’s first full-squad workout. The Braves open their exhibition season Feb. 22 against the Orioles at the new CoolToday Park.
The third base competition, and how the Braves will handle their outfield surplus, will be the two biggest stories involving position players in camp.
“We had a bunch of guys out there working out,” manager Brian Snitker said. “And I’d be if I were them. Why would you not want to come to this facility early and continue to do your workout program? It’s good to see. I know the guys have been working hard this winter.”
