As the Atlanta Braves have talked about keeping Freddie Freeman as well as Matt Adams in their lineup at the same time when Freeman returns for his current stint on the disabled list, the team has not ruled out that one of their first basemen converting to play third base.
Brian Snitker the manager of the Braves said the team could not rule anything out. If Atlanta were to go that route, Freeman is the more likely of the two to move to the infield’s hot corner.
He was a third baseman during high school and has an unselfish way about him that means he would likely do what was necessary for the benefit of the organization.
The club may attempt to trade Adams for a strong return. Adams’ stock has risen thanks to his 10 homers and an OPS of 1.018 during his 28 games since the Braves acquired him from St. Louis.
However, the impressive numbers have led the Braves to discuss all possible ways in which to pair Adams with Freeman in the middle of their batting order.
Snitker said the team was discussing the use of both players internally because once Freeman returns there will be several options and the biggest one would be having the two in the lineup at the same time.
Freeman’s cast was removed on Friday and he can now start catching. A timetable has yet to be set for him to start swinging a bat. However, he may be able to take grounders the next couple of weeks on the left side of the infield to reacquaint himself with third base.
Adams’ defensive versatility is limited. This season he played the equivalent of less than 4 games in left field for St. Louis, but that time was not positive.
While Atlanta could choose to give more time to Adams as an outfielder, they would rather have him play where he is strongest defensively and create a scenario where the powerful bat he has would stay in the lineup on a regular basis.
Snitker concluded an interview on Tuesday by saying the team was exploring all its options to see what turns out best for everyone.
