LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – He doesn’t have a hit yet, but Eric Young Jr. has done plenty to impress in his first two games as the speedy veteran competes for the Braves’ center-field job.
Young had a leadoff walk in the first inning Friday against Washington, saw a lot of pitches in each of his first two plate appearances (including a strikeout), and again played solid defense including a strong throw.
“I tell you what, EY, I think those first two at-bats he had like 17 pitches,” Gonzalez said.
The Braves need an opening-day center fielder because Melvin Upton Jr. could miss at least the first month recovering from a foot injury sustained in the first week of spring training.
Young’s speed is valued by Gonzalez, who has seen him utilize it in the outfield and on the bases. In two starts at center and leadoff, Young is 0-for-3 with three walks, a hit-by-pitch, a .571 on-base percentage and two stolen bases.
His primary competition is expected to come from rookies Todd Cunningham and Eury Perez, who are both natural center fielders but have very limited experience in the majors.
A majority of Young’s big-league experience – 197 of his 310 starts — has come in left field, but the converted second baseman has 34 starts in center and said he can make himself into a quality center fielder with hard work this spring.
“He’s been pretty good; you feel confident,” Gonzalez said. “We’re going to keep running him out there, he’s going to go to (Port) St. Lucie tomorrow to play in the split squad (against the Mets). I’ve got to be careful not to run him into the ground, but the job is open. He knows it. And there’s other guys that are also in competition.
“So it’s a competition right now, and whoever the best man is going to win.”
