The Braves absolutely throttled the Mets Monday night 13-1, as they narrowed the deficit in the division to 4.5 games. Ronald Acuña Jr. totaled three RBI doubles, while William Contreras and Eddie Rosario strung together back-to-back homers.
Atlanta also had a bounce-back effort from Spencer Strider, who couldn’t even make it out of the third inning last time he faced the Mets. Strider allowed only one run over five innings this time out, three of which were completed after a 60-minute rain delay. It was a good all around night for the club, including rookie second baseman Vaughn Grissom, who tallied two hits in his first career home start and was met with praise from the team’s best player.
Ronald Acuña Jr. on Vaughn Grissom:
"I love the way he plays. I really do. I feel like he goes in there, he doesn't think too much about it and he just plays the game." pic.twitter.com/XVdyHbhVPS
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) August 16, 2022
It’s an extremely small sample size, but it looks like the Braves have another rookie that will contribute significantly down the stretch. Grissom has only played in six games but is slashing .429/.500/.810 with a 1.310 OPS, two home runs, and four RBIs.
If Grissom continues to play at this level, the Braves won’t have a choice but to find somewhere for him to start every night. With Ozzie Albies set to return sometime next month, the Braves could have an embarrassment of riches at the plate, but the fit in the field would be wonky. Marcell Ozuna has been abysmal at the plate and is practically unplayable in the field.
If the Braves feel confident Vaughn Grissom can give them enough defensively, I wouldn’t be surprised if the club tried him in the outfield. At the very least, he’s an upgrade over Ehire Adrianza. Atlanta could also choose to DH Albies some nights, given he’s coming off a significant injury. Regardless, it’s a good problem for the Braves to have.
—
You must log in to post a comment.