Acquired from Toronto in the July 2010 deal that shipped Yunel Escobar to Toronto, 23-year-old Tyler Pastornicky emerged from last year’s spring training as the Atlanta Braves‘ Opening Day shortstop. Then he struggled, batting just .248 through April and May, lost his job to fellow 23-year-old Andrelton Simmons and was optioned to the minors.
This spring has brought a new challenge for the fifth round pick out of high school by the Blue Jays in 2008. With Simmons entrenched at shortstop, the Braves asked Pastornicky to learn multiple positions to increase his versatility and allow him to become a utility player.
The right-handed hitting Pastornicky can play the middle infield positions, and he will get time this spring in the outfield. While Simmons is away playing for The Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, Pastornicky is making the most of his time at shortstop for the Braves. In nine games, he is 8-for-19 (.421) with two home runs, seven RBI and a 1.187 OPS.
Pastornicky is trying to separate himself from fellow middle infielder Paul Janish, and give the Braves insurance in case an injury shelves Simmons or second baseman Dan Uggla. Learning to play the outfield will help him carve a super utility niche, and having a torrid spring at the plate further enhances his cause for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
