Three days after starting a game in the outfield for the first time in his major-league career, Johan Camargo was in the Braves’ starting lineup at third base Saturday night.
Such movement provided an early example of how the Braves plan to use Camargo in a super-utility role this season.
“I’m trying to not overthink it too much and just kind of let it happen,” manager Brian Snitker said Saturday of his plans for Camargo. “I’ll probably get him in there again (Sunday) somewhere and give him two in a row and get him a couple of games in Colorado (this week).”
Camargo, who was the Braves’ starting third baseman for most of last season, lost his regular position when the team signed free agent Josh Donaldson. After playing left field in his first start of the season Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs, Camargo started at third base against the Miami Marlins on Saturday as Snitker gave Donaldson a day off from the starting lineup.
“We’re going to give him a break here and there,” Snitker said of Donaldson. “I’m going to give a few guys days off this next week.”
The Braves are early in a stretch of playing on 12 consecutive days through April 14.
Donaldson, a three-time All-Star and the 2015 American League MVP, is 4-for-26 (.154, no extra-base hits) to start the season.
Camargo has started twice in the season’s first eight games. His first start came in left field as Ronald Acuna moved to center and Ender Inciarte sat out against a left-handed starting pitcher. In that game, Camargo cleanly handled both of his chances in the outfield and delivered a bases-loaded eighth-inning double.
Snitker indicated Camargo’s workload will increase as the Braves plan to move him around the infield and outfield.
“When we get 30 to 40 games into the season, it’s going to be easier as guys do need to rest or we spell a guy,” Snitker said. “We’re going to play him three or four days a week. As this thing stretches out, it’s going to be beneficial to have him and his ability to play different positions. I think we’ll keep him pretty active.”
With Donaldson not in Saturday’s lineup, second baseman Ozzie Albies moved to No. 2 in the Braves’ batting order -- his third spot in the order already this season.
