This veteran could strengthen the Braves bench.

This veteran could strengthen the Braves bench. 

 

An excerpt of this story appeared in Mark Bowman’s Braves Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Recall that the Braves dealt Nicky Lopez a few hours after I wrote about why it was the right decision to keep him, a little over a month ago?

In light of that, I apologize to Kevin Pillar and to anyone else who was hoping to see Pillar rejoin the Braves for this season.

Yes, I will explain why it makes sense for the Braves to re-sign Pillar in order to fill one of their final roster spots.

The Braves found their main backup infielder when they added Luis

Guillorme last week. While David Fletcher is still a possibility, the Braves can also decide to keep him at Triple-A.

Let’s assume Guillorme is the only infielder listed on Opening Day for accounting purposes. That would leave

two spots on the 26-man roster—which will have 13 pitchers—available for position players.

Yes, I will explain why it makes sense for the Braves to re-sign Pillar in order to fill one of their final roster spots.

 

The Braves found their main backup infielder when they added Luis Guillorme last week. While David Fletcher is still a possibility, the Braves can also decide to keep him at Triple-A.

 

Let’s assume Guillorme is the only infielder listed on Opening Day for accounting purposes. That would leave two spots on the 26-man roster—which will have 13 pitchers—available for position players.

Pillar is a valuable veteran who rose to prominence in the Braves’ clubhouse the previous season. Every outfield position

is where he can provide plus range. In addition, he has the experience from last year when he transitioned into a backup position.

 

A right-handed hitter that can play all three positions and fill in for Kelenic

occasionally in left field is what the Braves need. In addition to playing a lot of left field, Pillar could occasionally spell

Harris in center field. Because of Kelenic’s versatility in the outfield, Pillar might also get some playing time.

Pillar appeared to be effective last year as a backup due to his output and demeanor. Naturally, the 35-year-old free agent may look for a team that can give him more playing time as his career draws to an end.

Indeed, it makes sense to revive Pillar. But after you finish reading this, Pillar ought to be working for another team if this turns out to be similar to the Lopez experiment.

 

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