The Braves have options at first base if Freddie Freeman loses games

07/06/2020 Business, Health, Sports


The Braves have not begun planning for the possible absence of first baseman Freddie Freeman on opening day, but they do know the candidates to replace him.

Freeman was one of four Braves who tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. He has had a fever, chills and other symptoms, according to his wife, Chelsea. First, the Braves said they prioritize the health of their players and want Freeman, Touki Toussaint, Will Smith and Pete Kozma to recover as quickly as possible.

An unfortunate and inevitable element of the 2020 season is that positive testing will have implications on the field. Freeman, who rarely takes a day off at first base, may not be eliminated before July 24, when the Braves will open their regular season of 60 games. As such, the Braves will soon have to consider their replacement.

Speaking to the media on Sunday morning, manager Brian Snitker mentioned three players who could handle first base: Austin Riley, Adam Duvall and Johan Camargo.

“I think (Duvall) would be one,” Snitker said. “Austin. Camargo has played there quite a bit. Austin looked really good there when we played him there in spring training. He would be good there defensively, definitely in my mind. Adam has played a few games there. We started getting him some Dirt balls in spring training. I’m sure we will do it again in the next two weeks. “

Riley and Camargo were vying for third base work in spring training. Camargo’s ability to play on the field could prove especially valuable this season, which will be shrouded in day-to-day uncertainty. Riley can play third base, first base and left field. Still, the pair have combined to play seven regular-season games at first base.

The Braves’ candidates extend beyond the trio mentioned by Snitker. Nick Markakis has played first base in just six games, most recently in 2016, but could be another possible substitute. The Braves could platoon Markakis and Duvall at first, as they planned to do in the outfield before signing Marcell Ozuna, if they so choose.

There are less likely options if the Braves are in trouble. Adeiny Hechavarria has not played first base in a game, but was working on the position late last season. The Braves have veterans Charlie Culberson, Yonder Alonso, Peter O’Brien and Yangervis Solarte in their player pool, though none are on the 40-player roster.