Johan Camargo was the Braves’ everyday third baseman. Until he wasn’t.
Two days after general manager Alex Anthopoulos released veteran Jose Bautista and declared Camargo the Braves’ regular third baseman, he was out of the lineup Tuesday in Philadelphia.
But the logic was sound: Flaherty is 3-for-4 against Phillies starter Vince Velasquez. He’s doubled and launched a three-run homer off the right-hander.
The results, however, weren’t optimal. Flaherty went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. The Braves still won, 3-1.
Manager Brian Snitker offered an additional explanation. With the team set to face three lefties in Boston, this was the best chance to get Flaherty at-bats.
Flaherty, 31, is a career .224 hitter against righties, while dropping to .204 versus lefties.
“Just to get him in the game,” Snitker said. “He had a good day off this guy last time he faced him. We’re going to face three lefties in Boston, so we won’t have an opportunity to start him there.”
Flaherty has cooled since his torrid start in which he led the National League with a .262 average as late as April 23. He’s hitting .279 overall with two homers, 10 RBIs and 13 runs scored.
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