Braves could move Freddie Freeman to third base
By John McCarty
Injured Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman may get time at third base after his return.
Freddie Freeman suffered a fractured wrist after being hit by a pitch in a game against the Blue Jays on May 17. Soon after, Atlanta traded for Matt Adams of the Cardinals after he’d fallen out of favor with the organization. Now, to accommodate Adams at first base, Freeman may get some time a third base to get his bat in the lineup.
The whole point could be moot if the Braves trade Adams at the approaching trade deadline, and he could make a lot of sense for the New York Yankees. However, in 28 games since the Braves acquired Adams, he certainly has delivered, swatting 10 home runs. Adams is somewhat limited defensively, having limited experience playing the outfield in St. Louis, an area the Braves are already seeing positive results from.
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The team certainly could use the help at the position as they have very limited options and production from the position this season. If Freeman proves capable, even in a short-term situation, able to hold down the position, the Braves perhaps have solid bats and capable defense at the infield corner positions.
As was indicated on the Braves website, Freeman has experience playing third, having done so in high school. Freeman recently had the cast removed off the wrist and began playing catch on his path towards recovery. During that recovery, it certainly sounds as if Freeman will at least get some grounders on the left side. In fact, it’s an idea Braves manager Brian Snitker indicated was certainly being discussed.
"“We’re discussing that internally, because the fact is, Freddie will be back,” Snitker said. “There are some options there, because it would be nice to have both of those guys in the lineup somehow.”"
The discussion of an Adams trade are ever present, especially for a team still in a rebuild. Teams such as the Yankees could use help at first, and Adrian Gonzalez with the Dodgers in on the disabled list. If there is no trade, Atlanta certainly is hoping to find a way to get both bats in their lineup.