Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Starting Lineup

3RD-BASE

Jul 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A detailed view of Atlanta Braves 4th of July hat and a glove in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

3RD-BASE: By now, everyone is aware that the Atlanta Braves believe that Hector Olivera is their third-baseman of the future. The 30-year-old Cuban infielder acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers last month in exchange for Alex Wood, Jim Johnson, Luis Avilan and top prospect Jose Peraza is well regarded within the organization. Though he has yet to see any playing time, he is projected to hit in the .300 range and slug around 20 homers a year. Scouts have compared Olivera to Scott Rolen.

-= Related: Hector Olivera: Who are the Atlanta Braves Getting? =-

If Olivera can live up to those expectations, he can provide a valuable middle of the order bat to protect Freddie Freeman. His health is an ongoing concern and his age also does not seem to fit well John Hart has espoused during his re-tooling of the club. Regardless, Olivera will be a part of the Atlanta Braves for the foreseeable future. Hopefully he can remain healthy and be a beneficial presence in the lineup for Fredi Gonzalez. Olivera is expected to make his Atlanta Braves debut during next week’s home-stand.

Next: It's the Circle of Life, and It Rules Us All