Ernesto Mejia may not play for Atlanta Braves despite addition on 40-man roster - MLB Update
First baseman, Ernesto Mejia has slim chances of being given opportunities by Atlanta Braves during 2013 regular season despite his inclusion on the 40-man roster by the club.
This is because of the existence of a well-established player for this position, Freddie Freeman in their team.
Freeman was among the top performers for the club in the last season. Along with Chipper Jones and other batters, he struck home-runs and lifted the offence of the team.
Apart from this, he was equally impressive at first base. In light of this, Mejia will need something extraordinary to happen if he wants a place in the line-up.
Another factor that can hinder his entry is his age. He has spent a long time in the Minor League. A recent upsurge as an amazing offensive player by him apart, he has largely struggled to prove his Major League credentials.
He, along with Evan Gattis was among the top hitters in the Winter League. His power at the plate was incredible, something that was not expected from him given his record in the Minor League for the last many years.
By the dint of his terrific shows, he has forced officials of the team to pay attention to him.
First gesture in this regard has come in the form of his inclusion on the roster, which also shows that the Braves do not want to lose him to another organisation. If not added on the roster, Mejia may have been signed by any other team.
If not as a regular player, Mejia can help Freeman during the season by playing in his place at the time when he is tired or needed some rest.
Other than Mejia, the Braves can introduce another player namely Gattis in the upcoming season and have him do his Major League debut.
Gattis can prove to be a utility player in the outfield for Atlanta. Originally a catcher, Gattis has become a left fielder now.
If the Braves fail to ink an agreement with free agent outfielders in the market, bringing Gattis on the roster may become indispensable for them.
It will be interesting to see how these two players impress officials of the club for giving opportunities to them.
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