Swanson, Albies expected in Braves lineup Wednesday

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Braves’ middle infield of the future is set for its debut Wednesday in a spring-training game at Sarasota, Fla., where top shortstop prospects Dansby Swanson and 19-year-old Ozzie Albies are both expected in the lineup against the Baltimore Orioles.

“Barring any crazy stuff, Albies and Swanson will play together tomorrow,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said after Tuesday’s 10-inning tie in the Grapefruit League opener against the Orioles. “Maybe start Swanson at shortstop and Albies at second tomorrow, and then let them flip-flop a little bit.”

Swanson, 22, is the Braves’ consensus No. 1 prospect after coming from the Diamondbacks in the December trade for Shelby Miller. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick in last year’s June draft out of Vanderbilt, but has only 22 games of pro-ball experience, all at the short-season rookie league level. Nevertheless, given his age and college experience, he could make his major league debut either during the 2016 season or 2017.

Albies, who only turned 19 in January, has hit .328 with a .395 OBP, 51 stolen bases and 11 triples in 155 games over two minor league seasons, including .310 with a .368 OBP in 98 games at low-A Rome. Baseball Prospectus rates him the No. 3 prospect in the Braves organization.

Albies could reach the majors as soon as 2017 or 2018. Either Swanson or Albies will eventually move to second base – the Braves say that’s a decision for later — to give the Braves a dynamic double-play combination for plenty of seasons.

Both will be every-day shortstops at different minor league affiliates this season. But this spring, they’ll probably play together several times in Grapefruit League games before one or both is sent to minor league camp.