Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Starting Lineup

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CATCHER

Apr 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher

Christian Bethancourt

(27) shown on the field prior to the game against the New York Mets at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

CATCHER: For all the talk about Christian Bethancourt being the Atlanta Braves catcher of the future, he has not done a good job to reward their faith in his abilities. After beginning the year as the starting catcher, Bethancourt struggled at the plate; so much so that he not only lost the starting job to veteran A.J. Pierzynski, but was demoted to AAA Gwinnett in favor of Ryan Lavarnway.

-= Related: Christian Bethancourt: Future with Atlanta Braves? =-

Since his demotion to Gwinnett, Christian Bethancourt has seemed to turned things around offensively, and will most likely receive a September call-up to show if he has improved at the plate. Bethancourt will receive his final chance next year to show that he is capable of being an everyday player, but do not rule out the Atlanta Braves re-signing A.J. Pierzynski if Bethancourt once again fails.

Pierzynski has been not only a valuable veteran presence in the clubhouse this season, but has also been one of the Atlanta Braves best offensive players. If Bethancourt is unable to right the ship, and with Pierzynski in the twilight of his career, maybe it’s time that John Hart looks to acquire another catcher before SunTrust Park opens in 2017.

Next: Atlanta Braves Venture to the Friendly Confines

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