Report: Jose Peraza could receive promotion to Atlanta Braves
By Brad Rowland
Report: Fredi Gonzalez has indicated that no decision will be made on Andrelton Simmons until Monday, leaving Peraza’s status on a potential call-up in limbo.
Fredi says he will likely wait until Monday to make a decision about whether @Andrelton will go on the disabled list.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 8, 2014
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During the disastrous road trip that saw the Atlanta Braves fall into a significant deficit in the National League East, shortstop Andrelton Simmons was sidelined with an ankle injury, and at this point, the team is still simply “hoping” that he will avoid the disabled list. However, an extremely interesting possibility has emerged if Simmons is forced to the DL, and that situation could reportedly produce a call-up for stud prospect Jose Peraza.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com brings the report:
"The Braves will get a better understanding about Andrelton Simmons’ left ankle later today. If it’s determined he will be sidelined for more than a few days and possibly placed on the disabled list, there’s a strong possibility Jose Peraza will get a chance to make the jump from Double-A Mississippi to the Majors. Peraza has played just 41 games above the Class A level, but the 20-year-old infielder has batted .335 with a .361 on-base percentage and 25 stolen bases (42 attempts) since getting promoted to Double-A Mississippi."
It is vastly important to note that Bowman used “strong possibility” surrounding a potential Peraza promotion, but the fact that it has become something on the radar is intriguing. As noted above, Peraza is still 20 years old, but he has been excellent at the plate this season, and he is easily the best position player prospect in the organization at the moment.
Honestly, this move would scream a bit of desperation, especially with both Ramiro Pena and, presumably, Emilio Bonifacio available to play shortstop, but at the same time, the Braves already pulled an “all in” move in paying Ervin Santana before the season, and this thinking would continue that perception. Also, there is a real possibility that Simmons could simply stay on the active roster, averting any question about Peraza’s status.
Stay tuned for the latest.