Chris Stewart is the last Braves catcher standing only two games into the season.
Tyler Flowers exited Thursday and was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. Kurt Suzuki left Friday’s game after a pitch hit him in the hand, though he’ll avoid a DL stint and hopes to return by Tuesday.
In the meantime, Stewart jumped from third catcher to starter. And general manager Alex Anthopoulos looks shrewd for carrying an extra backstop.
“It’s kind of what I’m here for,” Stewart said. “You don’t ever wish to see that happen, but a guy in my situation, I’ve got to be ready for anything to happen. And anything pretty much did happen those first two days. So I’m ready to hop in there (Saturday). Bottom-line is we’re here to win ballgames, and I’m going to do whatever I can to help that.”
Stewart stepped in Saturday to catch Brandon McCarthy in his Braves debut. He also caught McCarthy’s first spring training bullpen session.
The pair were teammates on the 2006 White Sox and 2007 Rangers.
“This’ll be the third team we’re on together,” Stewart said. “It’s been a little while since I’ve been out there with him, but I’m sure that it’s going to click early and then we’ll hopefully go deep in the ballgame together.”
Stewart signed with the Braves on Feb. 14 after falling victim to a slow market. He had at least one coaching offer, but felt he still had something to provide as a player.
“I thought some team would call in some capacity at the beginning of the offseason. Didn’t work out,” Stewart said. “I think a lot of free agents felt the same way. Just the way the market was this offseason wasn’t really what we were looking for. I’m just glad to have an opportunity. I knew I had more baseball left in me.”
The Braves called him a couple days before spring training began. Stewart knew what the deal would be and was thankful for the offer.
“I prepare for 162 (games) regardless of if I’m starting in the minor leagues or I’m up here as the third catcher,” he said. “Whether 162 is possible or not, there’s only one way to find out. I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in and you can’t really train as a backup. You have to be ready for any situation.”
The team signed Stewart largely because its depth lacked major-league experience. While the team is high on prospects Alex Jackson and William Contreras, neither can provide immediate help.
There will be a shortage of catchers on the major-league roster until Suzuki returns. Utilityman Charlie Culberson will serve as Stewart’s backup, with Ryan Flaherty the emergency third catcher.
“He’s an old pro. He gets his job, his role,” manager Brian Snitker said about Stewart. “He’s really good at it. Catching’s not a chore for him. It’s kind of natural. We’re just fortunate that we’re able to have him here.”
The mentality Snitker referenced comes from years around the game, according to Stewart.
“I’ve played it for quite a while,” Stewart said. “I’m getting close to the end. So I think you appreciate it more when you’re in my space, where I’m at. Just every day’s a blessing, and I go out trying to maximize it every single day.”
Stewart joked he may need to be covered in bubble wrap before taking the field. Suzuki had even stronger advice.
“Put some armor on,” he said.
