Feb 27, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; (Editor's Note: Caption Correction) Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (left) is congratulated on scoring by instructor Ryan Klesko (right) during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

AJC

Braves top outfield prospect Acuna draws comparison to Andruw

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Ronald Jose Acuna, the Atlanta Braves 19-year-old prospect is already turning heads in camp. Yesterday, Acuna got his first start for the Braves in their sixth Spring Training game of the 2017 season. The outfielder from La Guaira, VE went 3-4 with two doubles in his debut.

Last year at the Braves Spring Training facility, Chipper Jones told reporters Acuna reminds him of Andruw Jones.

Last season, Acuna was promoted to the Rome Braves for the majority of the 2nd half. He had a batting average of .311 with four homers, two doubles, two triples and 14 stolen bases. He’ll most likely start the 2017 season with the Florida Fire Frogs. For a more in-depth read on Acuna, click here for Ben’s report.

The Braves brought top outfield prospect Ronald Acuna from minor league camp and gave him a Grapefruit League start in center field Thursday, and all he did was go 3-for-4 with two doubles, giving him five hits in seven at-bats in major league games this spring.

Keep in mind, this is a kid who just turned 19 in December and hasn’t played above the low-Single A level in pro ball.

“He’s a special kid,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after a 9-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. “I saw that in Instructional League. I’d heard about him, and now I see what everybody’s talking about. The kid’s just a natural ballplayer. Three hits, and the biggest thing, that throw he made in the corner (after switching to right field mid-game) was something else.”

Outside Pitch Sports Network

Atlanta Braves pitcher Jaime Garcia officially withdraws from World Baseball Classic

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: No, no injury. Let’s clear that up first thing because usually when someone withdraws or backs out of something in the sports world it’s most likely because of an injury. This is not the case for the 30-year-old starting pitcher. The reasoning behind this decision was for “for long-term maintenance.” In 2016, Garcia threw 171.2 innings pitched, his highest since the 2011 season when he threw 194.2 innings. He’s battled many injuries during his time in St. Louis and is hoping to stay fresh for the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves traded Luke Dykstra, Chris Ellis and John Gant for Garcia back on December 1st. He’s got one year left (2017) on his contract and will become a free agent in 2018. The perfect (hopefully) one-year stop gap for the Braves until our youngsters will be ready.

Garcia has made one start already this spring training, going two innings, giving up two hits, one run and one walk. The starters for the Braves are posted through Sunday and he’s currently not scheduled to pitch. So maybe a Monday start or he’ll pitch in relief.

Just days before the opening round of the World Baseball Classic, prominent big leaguers are still opting out, mostly due to health concerns. On Wednesday evening, newly acquired Atlanta Braves starter Jaime Garcia joined that group. Though he reportedly wanted to pitch for Team Mexico, Garcia made no secret that he was on the fence about the decision. In his career, the longtime St. Louis Cardinals hurler has compiled a lengthy injury history with multiple shoulder surgeries, including one to address thoracic outlet syndrome.

Atlanta Braves

Swanson takes Waino deep to back Colon

Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note: Dansby Swanson leadoff for the Braves on Thursday and he did so in a big way. On a 2-2 pitch, Swanson drove a ball deep to left center field and put the Braves on the board early. This homer was off former 1st round pick by the Braves and three time All-Star Adam Wainwright. This was the only hit of the afternoon by Swanson as he went 1-4 with three strikeouts after the homer. Dansby is batting .455 during the 2017 Spring Training with a 1.318 OPS. Not a bad start to the season for our top prospect!