Braves Rumors: Another bat added, Joc Pederson reunion, shortstop battle

Braves rumors: What’s the latest at shortstop?

With Vaughn Grissom being sent down to the minor leagues for another stint in Gwinnett to refine his defensive skillset, shortstop in Atlanta is set for now with Orlando Arcia (who just came off the injured list) and Braden Shewmake. Shewmake, who was called up from Triple-A as part of the roster move which sent Grissom down, is far more refined defensively. Neither Arcia nor Shewmake have the bat Grissom does, but his defensive blunders were starting to have an impact on his ability at the dish, too.

Grissom needs a fresh start, and had Arcia never been placed on the IL in the first place, there’s a chance he never would’ve been called up. Arcia is a reliable veteran who the Braves recently signed to a contract extension. He’s no Dansby Swanson, but he doesn’t have to be, which is was Alex Anthopoulos knew all along.

The addition of a player like Chad Pinder, who will start in the minor leagues but can play shortstop along with second base, third base and the corner outfield spots, could also find his way to the majors should he prove to be a reliable hitter at the lower levels.

Arcia owns the starting shortstop spot for now, and he could be the long-term solution as well should Grissom not get his act together. Some criticized the Braves for not signing Dansby Swanson this offseason. However, given the large contract he eventually received from the Chicago Cubs — and the corresponding moves make in Atlanta, including trading for Sean Murphy — it’s tough to blame Anthopoulos.