There was a time when it appeared Jace Peterson might be the long-term answer at second base for the Braves. He ended up at Triple-A Gwinnett after struggling, but now he gets a chance to prove he can be a valuable utility player for the Braves.
The Braves recalled Peterson from Gwinnett on Friday to fill the roster spot that was vacant following the trade of Kelly Johnson to the Mets on Wednesday. He was at second base and batting seventh against the Cubs in the series opener at Turner Field.
Peterson was with the Braves for all of 2015 and started 137 games at second base. He began the this season as the regular second baseman before he was sent to Gwinnett, where he played 16 games at second and 10 in center field.
Peterson was hitting only .186 with a .275 on-base percentage for Gwinnett.
“He wasn’t tearing it up,” Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. “But I think he is attractive because of his athleticism and the fact that he’s versatile and has been here and done it before. You can put him anywhere in the infield and the outfield. I think he will be an asset here because of that.”
The Braves acquired Peterson from the Padres in December 2014 as part of the Justin Upton trade. He was among the Braves’ more productive hitters through the first three months of 2015 before a thumb injury contributed to his slide at the plate.
Peterson was batting .182 with a .260 OBP when the Braves sent him down.
“I’m going to go out there and play hard every day,” Peterson said. “I know what I’m capable of and what I’ve done my whole career.”
