Atlanta Braves 2017 Player Preview: Ozzie Albies

The Atlanta Braves are hurting for bench depth. Would putting Ozzie Albies on the bench be beneficial or detrimental to the young middle infielder’s development?

UPDATE: It has already been announced that Albies has been reassigned to the minors. As I peruse the Twitters, we now know that Albies will be beginning the year in Gwinnett.

NOTE: This preview was drafted yesterday, prior to the knee contusion, and thus, prior to news of reassignment.

At face value, that question, for the Atlanta Braves, is probably answered by most with a “no”. The logic would probably sound like “he’ll get the opportunity to play everyday and continue to develop as a second baseman.

I would be inclined to agree. But, with the lack of bench depth being an issue right now, how bad of an idea really, would it be?

Brandon Phillips won’t play everyday, he’ll need days off, as will Dansby Swanson, too. Ozzie Albies‘ hitting and speed on the bases is an asset that could provide significant value at the Major League level.

Albies is having a solid spring since making his debut after an elbow injury and surgery forced his 2016 to end early. It also delayed the start to 2017 for him. However, he has responded well and he is turning heads in his limited action.

In 10 spring games, Albies is 6 for 16. He’s slashing .375/.500/.438/.938 with 3 BB’s, a double, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

Albies split time between Gwinnett and Mississippi last year. Ozzie started in Mississippi, went to Gwinnett in less than a month, then, he was sent back down, at the end of June to Mississippi, to develop a deeper chemistry with now Braves shortstop, Dansby Swanson.

As a Non-Roster invitee, Albies could provide value on the bench, and as much as the Braves like to platoon guys, he could easily do that with BP at 2B.

Albies, more than likely, begins 2017 in Gwinnett, mostly due to him getting a late start to spring with the elbow issue. I wouldn’t expect him to be there long, though. Albies, even at only 20 years old, is still a better bench option than Chase d’Arnaud.

Last year in Mississippi, Albies slashed .321/.391/.467/.858. Albies also had 22 doubles, 7 triples, 33 RBI, and 21 stolen bases. At Gwinnett, he saw some of his numbers take a dip, which is fine, he’ll be fine.

Ozzie Albies is the 2B for the Braves in the future, but what if the future is already here for him? Ozzie Albies made people notice him last year spring training; this year, people (outside of Braves circles) are telling you about it.

Drats … Foiled Again

Next: Szczur Rumor

After fouling a ball off his knee during an at bat yesterday, he left the game because of a contusion. After the game, he was reassigned to minor league camp.

Atlanta now has 37 active payers in camp.