7 Reasons to be Optimistic for Atlanta Braves in 2016
3. Health Holding So Far
No word of any concerns with any of the players hurting at the end of 2015:
- Freddie Freeman (wrist) – got through 2 straight days of live batting practice (vs. a coach) with no reported issues. Then he added this.
Freeman took a few swings during today's live BP vs. Sims. He seems to be further along than we were led to believe earlier this week.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 27, 2016
- Jace Peterson (thumb) – no issues reported. That extra BP thing (above) sounds very promising.
- Manny Banuelos (elbow) – impressing the coaching staff with his first-week’s work; seems to be throwing pain free for first time in a while.
- Michael Foltynewicz (rib, blood clot) – seems to be ahead of schedule.
- Nick Swisher (knees) – is starting out sans knee braces this season after doing a lot of conditioning work to get them back into shape. And yes, he did actually drop the ITBSOHL thing.
- Nick Markakis (neck) – had a ‘normal’ off-season of preparation, which bodes well for his strength and conditioning, which was an issue in 2015.
- Shea Simmons is throwing well so far (TJ surgery). He will not be rushed back to the majors, but that’s in deference for his long-term prognosis. And it’s still good news so far.
Next: Bench Seating Available