Brian Snitker says shortstop battle is between Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake
While it's been apparent to most for a little while now, we got confirmation from Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker that either Vaughn Grissom or Braden Shewmake will start the season as the team's shortstop.
Coming into Spring Training, the battle for shortstop appeared to be between Grissom and Orlando Arcia with Grissom being the heavy favorite.
Grissom hasn't done anything to show he can't be the Braves' everyday shortstop, hitting .321 in 28 at-bats with just 3 strikeouts; meanwhile, he's shown strides defensively as well.
This new battle has more to do with the fact Braden Shewmake has forced his way into the picture.
They 25-year-old former first-round pick is slashing .333/.400/.481 with 2 doubles and a triple in 27 at-bats while playing stellar defense.
Now, with less than two weeks left before Opening Day, we have a serious position battle on our hands as Snitker revealed officially on Saturday.
If you read between the lines over the last week, this was pretty apparent by the fact Grissom hasn't played as much while Shewmake has been in the lineup with the regulars.
It's interesting that Snitker says the Braves will leave with one of them when the season starts.
There was some speculation Grissom could stay on the roster and get at-bats at DH or possibly in the outfield if Shewmake wins the job. Or that Shewmake would take Arcia's spot on the bench.
However, it makes sense that whoever doesn't win the shortstop job goes down to Triple-A where they can play every day and continue to develop.
Along with the fifth starter spot between Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd, the Braves now have two fierce position battles left to figure out before Opening Day on March 30 in Washington.
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