MLB Rumors: Braves shortstop battle, Cubs buzz, Mets secret

MLB Rumors: Latest on Braves shortstop battle

Atlanta called up Vaughn Grissom late this week after Orlando Arcia was placed on the injured list. That decisions had ramifications throughout the organization, including Triple-A Gwinnett. Braden Shewmake had battled with Grissom and Arcia for the starting job in spring training. He’s off to a tough start in the minor leagues, but did go 2-for-4 on Friday night. This could be the start of a turnaround, but Shewmake is pretty clearly a third-or-fourth string option at shortstop right now in Atlanta.

As for Grissom, he had a decent season debut with the Braves, knocking in a run but also committing an error. If anything, it proves why he started the season in the minors to begin with, as FanSided’s John Buhler pointed out:

"“However, there will come a time when the Braves’ bats cool off and runs will be at a premium. I am not saying Grissom has to be transcendent in the field, but he cannot be a liability at what has historically been a defense-first position. We don’t need him to be an ace with the glove like Dansby Swanson was recently, or regularly display some of that Orlando Magic like Arcia does.”"

If Grissom keeps hitting, it’s unlikely the Braves will send him back down to the minors. Shewmake is a better defensive shortstop, but needs to work on his bat to reach Grissom’s level. For now, there isn’t much of a battle to speak of beyond Grissom and Arcia.