Do the Atlanta Braves have a shortstop battle brewing?

Finding Vaughn Grissom a place in the lineup when Orlando Arcia returns.

Vaughn Grissom has done an admirable job filling in at shortstop while Orlando Arcia heals his wrist on the IL. More than likely, this will have no effect on who will be the starting shortstop when Arcia does return - Arcia has looked amazing this year prior to his injury and there is no reason to believe he won’t pick up right where he left off.

Brave shortstop Orlando Arcia has been removed from the game after taking a 98 MPH fastball to the wrist pic.twitter.com/moHup2lAkP

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 13, 2023

Where does that leave Vaughn Grissom? Grissom is looking more comfortable at the plate with every major league swing he takes and has also improved defensively with every game. He isn’t quite “there” yet defensively, but it would be hard to send him back down to Gwinnett when the Braves really aren’t sure how much rest Arcia will need when he does return. The primary goal, as it always is, is to get the best players on the field and get the to World Series. Perhaps the best idea would be to “Riley” Grissom.

In 2019, the Braves put Austin Riley in left field for 58 games. He filled in a few games in right field, at first, and at third. In limited action, he launched 18 home runs and 49 RBIs. He also gained experience that is paying dividends for the Braves currently.

Using Grissom in a similar way could possibly be the solution to several of the Braves' problems right now. Simply move Grissom into left field, he has the speed and the ability to be more than capable defensively out there. It keeps Grissom seeing major league pitchers and, if history can repeat itself, does nothing to hamper his development. It also nudges Marcell Ozuna out of the lineup, and that is the definition of a win-win for the Braves as well as the Braves’ fans. While he is up with the team, Grissom could also serve as an infield utility man, giving breaks where needed.

.@GrissomVaughn delivers!#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/OIJg5Om7ro

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 16, 2023

Time will tell if the Braves consider this route or if they choose to continue to work with Ozuna. At some point, it feels like Atlanta has to cut their losses there, despite the $32M owed the slugger over the next two years. Grissom’s play provides them with an opportunity to make some changes and get better bats in the lineup and better defense in the outfield. Seems like a no-brainer.

Tuesday’s game versus the Padres is another nightcap for Braves fans, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:40 ET. The game broadcast, with Voice of the Braves Brandon Gaudin, is available inside Braves Country on Bally Sports South and is available on MLB.TV outside of the broadcast area. The radio call, with Ben Ingram, is available locally on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan or outside the Atlanta market on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network or MLB.com.

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