If Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia can keep producing it will make it tougher for opponents to pitch around slugger Freddie Freeman.
Garcia has followed up his surprisingly solid season for the Braves in 2015 with a hot start in the first two games. He collected three hits against the Nationals on Wednesday and is 4-for-7 with a home run, two walks and two RBIs.
“We feel comfortable to hit him behind Freeman and he’s putting the ball in play and he’s getting his knocks,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
Garcia was 30-years old when he made his big-league debut last season and ended up tying for second on the team with 10 home runs in just 198 plate appearances. He carried that over into a strong showing in the Venezuelan Winter League and in spring training with the Braves.
Garcia twice had RBIs to tie the score against the Nationals in the season opener. His only miscue on Wednesday was trying to take second after leading off the fourth inning with a hit to center fielder Michael A. Taylor, who easily threw him out.
Garcia got most of his at-bats in the No. 5 hole last season. So far he’s s been a good fit hitting No. 4 in the lineup.
“I know it’s a big responsibility so I’m just trying to make sure I live up to it and do my part out there,” Garcia said through an interpreter. “But to be honest I’ll be happy anywhere they put me in the lineup.”
