Jeff Baker plays first game for Atlanta Braves since being traded from Detroit Tigers - MLB Update
Jeff Baker performs reasonably well in his first game for the Atlanta Braves since being acquired by the club from the Detroit Tigers.
Defensively he manned left field in the game. Considering the fact the Braves maintain second position on the table and thus are poised for qualifying into the post-season, Baker has a special role to play in the upcoming matches.
In the next couple of games, he will be looking to convince the team officials of his ability to connect hits on a regular basis.
By doing so, he can be viewed as a shield by the management against injuries that may happen during the important games ahead.
Furthermore, he can adjust to the conditions in a way that whenever he earns an opportunity again down the line he will not disappoint.
The opportunity allowed to him on Monday by Braves’ manager Fredi Gonzalez reflected such an intention of the management toward him. The manager is of the view that this was the perfect time to send Baker on the plate so that he gets accustomed to the team
environment.
In light of the fact that Atlanta swept Washington Nationals the other day, confidence of the whole team is high. In the process if Baker is provided some time in the field and at the plate, it will be easier for him to put up the kind of performance which
is close to his true potential.
In this way a couple of good shows can lift his morale which can become the reason of the series of consistent performances coming off from him eventually.
With catcher Brian McCann out of the line-up, the Braves are without an offensive force.
Though they possess quality hitters, absence of McCann is not a good sign for their chances ahead.
In this regard, inclusion of Baker can help the team make up for the discrepancy that has occurred with an exclusion of McCann. Baker will be trying his best to make sure he lives up to the requirements of the team at the moment.
It will be interesting to see how Baker can capitalise on the opportunities that he will be provided by the manager as the Braves look to put in a good performance during this crucial time of the season.
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