Braves send clear message to Vaughn Grissom with latest roster move

The Atlanta Braves sent a clear message to Vaughn Grissom, calling up another shortstop to compete with him for playing time.

As the Braves wait for Orlando Arcia’s IL stint to end, they’ve sent a clear message to Vaughn Grissom, who was expected to compete for the starting job out of spring training. Grissom is one of the more talented hitters on the Braves roster, but is struggling with a position switch to shortstop, which he’s trying to learn on the fly.

As Grissom gets down the basics, Atlanta doesn’t necessarily have time to waste. In the wake of what’s been a tough stretch defensively for Grissom, the Braves called up Braden Shewmake, who can play both shortstop and second base. The two are expected to split time at shortstop for the time being.

Those statistics are alarming, and if Grissom cannot even succeed at the plate (a strength of his), then there’s no point in giving him all the at-bats while Arcia is out.

Braves send a clear message to Vaughn Grissom

Shewmake was a first-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2019, and is a far better defensive shortstop than Grissom at this juncture. Another minor-league stint may be brewing for Grissom, especially if he continue to struggle offensively. Marcell Ozuna’s recent hot streak limits any possibility of playing Grissom at DH, and when Orlando Arcia is back in the fold at shortstop, he’ll have limited opportunities.

Perhaps Grissom could entertain a position switch to left field back in the minor leagues, which is an area the Braves have a significant need. Asking a young player to move around the diamond too much can be a negative long-term, especially considering how much time and effort Grissom and the organization put into moving him to shortstop.

Atlanta’s front office is testing Grissom at the right time. We’ll see if he can pass it.