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Atlanta Braves should reconsider repurposing Rio Ruiz.

By Fred Owens

Atlanta Braves prospect Rio Ruiz struggled last year. He worked hard to turn that around this offseason and deserves a chance to win the opening day job at third base.
Atlanta Braves prospect Rio Ruiz struggled last year. He worked hard to turn that around this offseason and deserves a chance to win the opening day job at third base. /
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This could be Rio Ruiz' year to break out and claim the Atlanta Braves third base job.
This could be Rio Ruiz’ year to break out and claim the Atlanta Braves third base job. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Atlanta at last

Ruiz performance improved in 2016; his line returned to something resembling his early career norms;  .271/.355/.400 with 118 wRC+.   That earned him a cup of coffee in September and he came to spring training in 2017 with a chance to claim the vacant third base job for his own.

Instead of breaking camp with Atlanta last year however he headed back to Gwinnett and didn’t see Atlanta again until May 18th.

Over the next 30 games he hit a meager .175/.264/.288 and six weeks after being called up he was back at Gwinnett.  Ruiz returned in September to play in 22 games before the season ended. His hitting improved a bit but not enough for anyone to consider him the lead dog in the chase for third base.

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