The Nationals sent ace Max Scherzer against the Braves on Saturday. That tough matchup, plus shortstop Dansby Swanson’s lack of professional experience, prompted Braves interim manager Brian Snitker to leave the top prospect out of the lineup for the first time since Swanson’s promotion on Wednesday.
“I think we’ll pick (spots) but with guys like this eventually he’s going to (face) everybody,” Snitker said. “He’s going to play more games than he ever has in his life in this period of time and that, as much as anything, it’s giving him a physical and mental break every now and then.”
Swanson, 22, had played in just 127 minor-league games when the Braves called him up. Concussion symptoms following a pitch to the face limited Swanson to just 22 games of Single-A ball in 2015. He also missed time because of injuries during his freshman season at Vanderbilt and ended up playing in 154 games over three seasons in college.
Swanson has played 105 minor-league games this season.
“Just pick and choose with him,” Snitker said. “He doesn’t need to go out there every day. It’s going to be a big enough acclimation to the major leagues doing what he’s doing. I’ve been really pleased with everything so far. He’s going to learn by his mistakes and experiences. I think he’s going to be fine.”
Swanson comes to the Braves with high expectations as their top-rated prospect in a loaded farm system. Braves president of baseball operations John Hart has said Swanson could use more seasoning but that the organization believes some major-league time would be beneficial without overwhelming him.
In his first three games with the Braves Swanson went 4-for-12 with a double and made one error in 10 chances in the field.
“He’s a very heady, bright, intelligent kid,” Snitker said. “When he experiences things, it’s going to be all be for the good and he’ll learn from everything he does. He’s got a great feel for the game. His instincts are off the charts. All of the intangibles you look for, this young man has it and he’s going to be really good, I think.”
