Atlanta Braves inform Dansby Swanson he’s being sent to Triple-A
By Jeff Schafer
Braves will send top prospect down to Triple-A
The Atlanta Braves will make a move that will surprise many — many others won’t be surprised as much — as they will send last years top prospect, rookie of the year (going into the season) candidate, and Golden Boy of Atlanta, Dansby Swanson to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Yes, each day that passes these past few weeks has been head scratcher of why Swanson hasn’t been in the lineup. The 22-year-old has only gotten six starts since the All-Star break and has only six hits in the month of July…two of which game Wednesday.
Manager Brian Snitker gave Swanson a start at shortstop on Wednesday afternoon in Arizona and he responded with going 2-4 at the plate with a double and two runs scored. Not bad, but not good enough.
Swanson currently has no room on the field for the Braves. Snitker has decided to play Johan Camergo on a routine basis either at shortstop, second base or third base…but mostly it’s been short. With Swanson hitting just .213 at the plate and other positional guys hitting a lot closer to .300, Swanson shouldn’t be in the lineup.
Without regular playing time, Dansby will head to Gwinnett to get regular at-bats.
This is a good move that the Braves probably should have made a few days ago…if not a few weeks.
Dansby Swanson has been informed he'll be sent to Triple-A Gwinnett. The Braves aren't expected to announce the move until Thursday.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 27, 2017
Another reason this makes complete sense to me is that Swanson will be playing beside — what I still believe is our future second baseman — Ozzie Albies.
The two can play together in Gwinnett again and hopefully, Swanson can find his groove at the plate.
More from Braves News
- Braves News: Braves acquire Diaz, moves around the division, more
- Atlanta Braves 2012 Top Prospects Review: J.R. Graham
- Atlanta Braves Acquire Lewin Diaz from the Orioles
- Atlanta Braves 2023 Preseason Top 30 Prospects List: 6-10
- Braves News: Giving the bullpen some love, Trevor Bauer reinstated, more
After making a huge splash towards the end of last season in Atlanta — hitting .302 in 84 games — he’s been pretty close to awful for the majority of the 2017 season. He’s currently batting .213 with 14 doubles, six homers, 35 RBI’s and 34 runs scored. He’s struck out 84 times compared to walking just 35 times.
Does this mean the end of Dansby Swanson? Hell no. And don’t even think twice about that.
The one thing this demotion could hurt is Swanson’s confidence. Though I don’t think it will, it’s possible. I think Dansby knows he’s been struggling and someone is out playing him currently. He’s got the personality to work even harder now and make his way back up.
Right now, Camargo deserves the playing time as well does Matt Adams, Freddie Freeman, and Brandon Phillips. If the Braves decide to trade any of those guys, Swanson could be back in Atlanta in a heartbeat.
Camargo, 23-years-old, is batting .333 in 2017 with Atlanta. He now gets the nod to play every day without going into the locker room guessing if his name will be in the lineup. This is his opportunity and a great one for the Braves to see if he’s the real deal or not.
The #Braves have optioned Dansby Swanson & Aaron Blair to Gwinnett. Corresponding roster moves will be announced before the game on Friday.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 27, 2017
Next: Braves Chipper Jones playing again!
I’m thinking (if no trades happen) Swanson plays a month down in Gwinnett and will be back with the Atlanta Braves when the September call-ups happen.
Jace Peterson and Scott Kazmar have been handling the Gwinnett Braves shortstop duties with Albies playing a few games at short, but mostly second base.
Who gets called up you may ask? I’d say, Peterson or Lane Adams. No, I don’t think the Braves are calling up Albies, Ronald Acuna or Dustin Peterson…right now.