Atlanta Braves’ Fredi Gonzalez benches Dan Uggla as Martin Prado plays second base - MLB Update
As important games are right around the corner, the Atlanta Braves are introducing changes in order to streamline the line-up beforehand. On Sunday, second baseman Dan Uggla was benched as Martin Prado was brought in his place.
However, the manager Fredi Gonzalez realises that making such a decision was not easy. This is more so in light of the fact that Uggla played in the All-Star Game this year and therefore has proven credentials for connecting big hits for the team and returning
to form at any time.
Apart from this, the Braves are bringing players from the Minor League to the Majors. The veteran first baseman Lyle Overbay has joined the team now and is expected to be given an opportunity during the post season.
Knowing that the matches ahead are going to be nail-biters the roster has been subjected to a few changes which the management has undertaken to ensure the availability of all possible options at their time of need.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez has not completely ruled Uggla out for the rest of the season as he claims the move is not permanent and that he may be back soon.
"Knowing him, going down in September, he's going to have a big at-bat when he pinch-hits or he's going to have a big game when we put him in the game and it's going to get us in the postseason," Gonzalez said. "That's the way I feel about it."
Interestingly enough Gonzalez is not feeling good about the decision which entails the exclusion of the player he has spent a lot of time with. He has gone with the move despite knowing that it will be embarrassing for Uggla.
"It's a situation where we feel like we need to do something for the team and the name on the front of the uniform," Gonzalez said. "It's hard. It's not easy. Two months ago, you don't even think about it."
However Uggla is not resentful as he acknowledges the fact that he has been struggling for the last many weeks.
It will be interesting to see if the Braves bring Uggla back after a few games as team will need all the help they can get during this crucial part of the regular season.
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