Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez says Paul Janish “saved our butts” last year; he’s hoping Janish can do a little more of the same.
Janish was called up Friday to replace the injured Ramiro Pena (shoulder) and provide the Braves a more-than-capable backup at shortstop, third base and second base. Now all he needs is some equipment.
Janish arrived at Miller Park without any of his gear. He had flown in from Buffalo after Gwinnett wrapped up a series there on Thursday night, but his bag was on a truck bound for Atlanta. Janish was planning to borrow a glove from Tyler Pastornicky and cleats from Chris Johnson, and would have to make do until the Gwinnett clubhouse staff could ship his equipment, hopefully before Saturday’s game.
“I’ll put something together, make it work,” Janish said.
That’s what he did last season after the Braves acquired him in a July trade from the Reds looking for help at shortstop when Andrelton Simmons broke a bone in his right hand.
Janish’s standout defense made him a valuable commodity, even after Simmons returned. But he dislocated his non-throwing shoulder in September and had to undergo surgery after the season ended. Janish was not cleared to start playing in games until mid-April.
“I haven’t dealt with a whole lot other than sometimes when I dive, I’ll feel it a little bit,” Janish said.
Janish was hitting .207 (28-for-135) in 41 games at shortstop for Gwinnett.
