Ozzie Albies returned to the field last night for the first time since June 13th. He went 0-for-4 as the designated hitter in Gwinnett, but the stats don’t really matter. He’s one step closer to returning, and tonight, he will play second base for the Stripers. Within a couple of weeks, I expect to see him back in Atlanta, so what does that mean for Vaughn Grissom?
It’s really a dream problem to have if you’re Brian Snitker. Vaughn Grissom is an athletic 21-year-old, and he’s been taking reps in the outfield during practice.
https://twitter.com/BallySportsSO/status/1565474638892875784
If Vaughn Grissom continues to play well, they have to find a place for him in the lineup. I don’t think he’ll have any problem making the switch to left field. We’ve seen Chipper Jones do it, Austin Riley do it, and Grissom is more athletic than both of them.
Also, let’s be real guys… it’s not like the Braves have had a couple of stellar gloves manning left field this season. Marcell Ozuna might be the worst defensive player in baseball, and Eddie Rosario isn’t much better. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vaughn Grissom, who hasn’t ever played the position, is immediately better defensively than both of them.
But just because Grissom can play left field doesn’t mean he will automatically be penciled into the lineup every night. I expect Brian Snitker to ride the hot hand. If Ozzie comes back and isn’t himself, Grissom could start at second. If Grissom begins to hit a rookie wall, Rosario or Grossman could play left field. The important thing is the Braves have plenty of options. It will be up to Brian Snitker to pull the right strings.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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