Braves’ $23M outfielder with .772 OPS ‘eye-catching’ in spring training originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Jurikson Profar’s second PED suspension opens up significant playing time in the outfield for the Atlanta Braves.
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However, there is one veteran who appears to have the inside edge at the open left field spot.
Based on his spring training performance, Mike Yastrzemski is expected to receive daily reps alongside Ronald Acuna Jr. and Michael Harris II.
Yastrzemski, the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, hit 4 homers and batted 1.451 in 32 at-bats in spring training. He signed a two-year, $23 million contract with Atlanta after splitting time with the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals last year.
Yastrzemski ‘eye-catching’ in spring training
Jim Bowden of The Athletic asked MLB’s 30 teams to select a player from their organization with a high “turnover” rate this spring, and the Braves pointed to Yastrzemski as a player they’ve been impressed with.
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“Yastrzemski started last year with the Giants before being traded to the Royals at the deadline. For the season, he hit .233/.333/.403 with 28 doubles and 17 homers in 146 games,” Bowden wrote. “He looks ready to be an everyday player for the Braves this season, just like he was for most of his time with the Giants.”
Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos spoke highly of Yastrzemski’s potential impact on the club.
“Mike had a great spring practice on both sides of the ball,” Anthopoulos told Bowden. “He also fits seamlessly into our clubhouse.”