It seemed as if either Vaughn Grissom or Braden Shewmake would win the Braves shortstop job but Atlanta made a stunning call on Monday at the position.
When it became clear that Dansby Swanson would not be returning to the Atlanta Braves, one of the biggest plots of the teams offseason became who would replace him at shortstop.
Vaughn Grissom, who was called up from Double-A last season to play second base amidst a wake of injuries, was one candidate, as was another prospect in Braden Shewmake along with veterans Orlando Arcia and Adeiny Hechavarria. And throughout the spring, the general sentiment seemed to be that either Grissom or Shewmake would emerge as the starter in Swanson’s absence.
That’s what made Monday’s decision all the more shocking.
As reported by MLB.com Braves insider Mark Bowman, Atlanta optioned both Grissom and Shewmake to Triple-A on Monday ahead of the team’s off day in the spring, seemingly making way for Arcia and Hechavarria to start at shortstop.
Braves option Vaughn Grisson and Braden Shewmake in stunning shortstop decision
So far in Spring Training, Grissom slashed .371/.400/.829 over 35 at-bats with six RBI, six runs and two stolen bases. Shewmake, meanwhile, slashed .323/.371/.823 over 31 at-bats with five RBI. Grissom also notably showed competency defensively at the position, which was a concern coming into the spring.
Compare that to Arcia (.240/.367/.727) and Hechavarria (.254/.302/.607), players who are 28 and 33 years old, respectively, and this decision is a head-scratcher, to say the least. Brian Snitker and the Braves are choosing older options who have performed worse in Spring Training over two prospects who have impressed and are both 25 years old or younger.
Perhaps there is a larger plan in the works here with the shortstop decision moving forward that will re-insert Grissom and Shewmake into the fold. As of right now given the information we have, though, it’s hard to make sense of this move.