House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves Trim Spring Roster, Ponder Camp Battles

By Fred Owens

VENICE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves in action during the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Cool Today Park on February 28, 2020 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
VENICE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Johan Camargo #17 of the Atlanta Braves in action during the spring training game against the New York Yankees at Cool Today Park on February 28, 2020 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves invited pitcher Felix Hernandez to Major League camp and he looks favorite to win a rotation spot.. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Speaking of the king

In any other season over the last 14 years, a spring performance like the one King Felix delivered would guarantee him a spot in the rotation. In his four outings, Hernandez threw 13 2/3 innings at a 1.98 ERA and struck out 14 while walking five.

Yes, it is spring training, but he’s a 15-year veteran who seems, at last, to understand his fastball isn’t his out-pitch any longer. He provides what the Braves staff’s missed in recent years, veteran leadership, and an iconic presence, even if he’s not breaking 90 very often; but there’s a problem.

Hernandez is a non-roster invitee, and the 40-man roster already has 40 men. That said, Cole Hamels could shift to the 60-day IL and create space. When he comes back, the problem still exists, but the solution isn’t needed today.

I don’t know – still third base

Brian Snitker still can’t decide between Johan Camargo and Austin Riley at third base. Most of the time, this means a manager doesn’t want anyone to know yet, and I think, in his heart, he does know, but every time he sees the other guy bat, his mind starts reconsidering things.

This spring:

  • Riley is 9– 27 with two homers and two doubles; .333/.379/.630/1.009
  • Camargo is 8-26 with one homer and two doubles, .308/.333/.500/.833

It’s a great problem to have. Ideally, the bats would play, but the roster has no space for both to get regular at-bats. The Braves see no platoon advantage for using them together at third, and even that wouldn’t provide consistent plate appearances. The stated plan is for one to play in Atlanta and the other at Gwinnett, but who stays.

Right now, I expect Camargo to get the nod. Of course, that could change tomorrow.

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