Braves third baseman Johan Camargo likely will not play for about a week because of tightness in his back, Braves manager Brian Snitker said Wednesday.
Camargo left Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays with what Snitker indicated at the time was a minor issue that might sideline him only a day or two. But the manager said Wednesday he might wait to play him March 21 after the team’s final day off of spring training.
Snitker reiterated that the medical staff didn’t think it was anything serious and said Camargo’s back didn’t “lock up” or otherwise worsen overnight. Rather, the decision to rest him longer was a precautionary measure, since opening day is only two weeks away (March 29), and Camargo already had 29 at-bats, more than several other projected Braves lineup regulars. He’s hit .241 with two doubles, one homer, eight RBIs, three walks and four strikeouts.
Camargo also played winter ball in the Dominican Republic for about a month, where he excelled, including a pair of game-winning homers in the league championship series.
Keeping him out of games for a week will give Snitker a chance to get more reps at third base for others, including utility man Charlie Culberson, who could be called upon to play the position for a few days during the season if Camargo were to have a minor ailment that didn’t require a stint on the disabled list but kept him out of the lineup a couple of days.
Snitker also said he still plans to get Culberson some playing time in the outfield before the end of spring training.
