The Braves inserted Charlie Culberson at third base for Wednesday’s game against the Nationals, shifting Johan Camargo to shortstop and putting Dansby Swanson on the bench.
“I just haven’t had (Culberson) there,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s been in the outfield, he’s been at second. So just talking with the guys, getting everyone’s opinion, I’ll go with that today. Dansby played in the doubleheader, so it was about giving his legs a break too. I know we had a day off, but you have that off day, then games like yesterday …”
They’ve used the combination before, but Culberson was plugged at shortstop with Camargo sticking at third. But Culberson hadn’t performed admirably defensively at short, including a two-error game against the Dodgers on July 26.
Culberson has played parts of 12 games at third. He also has managed every other position except center field and catcher, with left field getting the bulk of the work (29 games). Since the start of May, Culberson has slashed .305/.342/.529 in 58 games.
Camargo, meanwhile, has emerged as the regular third baseman, but boasts a skill set fit for a shortstop. He has the most RBIs on the team since June 1, with 35 RBIs, and owns a .262 average and .333 on-base mark since taking over every-day third base duties May 20.
Swanson, while an excellent defender, hasn’t provided much offense. He’s struggled against lefties, posting a .203 (15-for-74) average. The Nationals are pitching back-to-back lefties Wednesday and Thursday with Tommy Milone and Gio Gonzalez.
As Snitker referenced, Swanson played in both doubleheader games Tuesday, going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts. At the moment, Camargo and Culberson give the team more upside at the plate, with Camargo providing little dropoff in the field at shortstop.
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