Catching Up With Atlanta Braves Evan Gattis

Evan Gattis was the magical story Braves’ fans needed earlier this season, as he came up in huge spots with a big hit or most of the time a home run.  But, he saw most of his playing time diminish when Atlanta’s All-Star catcher, Brian McCann, returned to the lineup.  Now, Evan is getting his chance behind the plate every couple games or in the field when a regular needs rest/an injury.

Gattis who was 4-8 over the weekend, with three hits on Sunday, now holds onto a .254 batting average in the 72 games he’s appeared in.  The 26-year-old obviously wants to be on the field day in and day out but understands his role for the Braves in 2013.

Tom Hart caught up with Braves catcher Evan Gattis prior to yesterday’s game.

You think about the three hits on Sunday and the hot start, to where you are now…how would you judge your season so far?

“I think I’ve done a good job so far, I think I’ve made the most of my opportunities…or at least tried to.  I just came to play baseball everyday.”

Aug 11, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) hits an RBI double in the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Your oblique costs you 10 days, maybe more…what kind of handicap was that in trying to work your way back?

“Any time you go an extended period of time without seeing pitches, I think it can kind of mess with you a little bit but I’m just working on my approach.  It was good for me to watch some games knowing that I wasn’t going to get in the game to evaluate pitchers and see what they are trying to do with guys.  All in all, you don’t want to miss that time but it was good for me.”

Brian McCann has been fantastic, you’ve been great…whether it’s behind the plate or in left field, at this point of the season has either position become a preference for you?

“I’ve always liked catching but I also liked learning 1st base and left field.  I’m just glad to have the opportunity to play and really enjoying it.”

This season, obviously you got off to a fantastic start to the season, and then early on you were watching a lot and coming on late, then extensive playing time recently after the oblique…how do you balance preporation for both of those roles?

“Just being ready, just come to the park and if your in the lineup or not…you may get in the game, you might not if your not starting but just be ready.  Have a gameplan when I’m catching, have a gameplan against opposing hitters and just being ready.”