Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Starting Lineup

2ND-BASE

Aug 16, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman

(8) reacts after not being able to catch a fly ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop

(not shown) during the eighth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2ND-BASE: Jace Peterson won the starting second-base job outright in Spring Training, besting former top prospect Jose Peraza for the starting gig. Since his inclusion into the Atlanta Braves starting lineup, the rookie has done nothing but impress. He and Andrelton Simmons form one of the best double play tandems in the bigs. Peterson’s excellent defense has been a pleasant surprise, as he continues to showcase the athleticism that made him a two-sport star in college at McNeese State in both football and baseball.

-= Related: Jace Peterson: Braves’ 2B Now and in the Future? =-

Peterson has been streaky at the plate this season. Sometimes he is scalding hot, and at other times he can’t buy a hit. Hitting .244 on the year, Jace has the second most RBI’s on the club behind Cameron Maybin with 50 RBI’s. His play this season made Jose Peraza expendable in last month’s trade with the LA Dodgers. The departure of Peraza demonstrates the Atlanta Braves’ faith in Peterson, and the belief that he is their second-baseman of the future.

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