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Atlanta Braves: Top 10 Players To Call Up For September

By Justin Perez

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Mar 28, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA;Atlanta Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (27) at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

. C. Panama, Panama. Christian Bethancourt. 1. player. 17

There’s a reason Bethancourt has been left as number one on this list. The story of Christian Bethancourt has been an odd one this season. We all know his story, killer glove but huge questions on whether he can become an effective MLB hitter. Bethancourt went into Spring Training as the starter.

His only “competition” was old man A.J. Pierzynski, who was coming off a terrible season with the Cardinals and Red Sox at age 36. Pierzynski, though, hit well enough in Spring Training to earn some playing time and wound up getting the start on Opening Day.

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This whole saga has been bizarre. The Braves were operating under the guise of competitiveness and that allowed Fredi Gonzalez to rationalize playing an old man over our supposed catcher of the future. Bethancourt played in less than half of the Braves games before his demotion. He got no opportunity to play through his hitting slumps and he allowed the lack of playing time affect his defense as well.

Thankfully, for Bethancourt and the future of the Braves catching position, he has taken to his promotion and has actually shown glimpses of turning into an impact bat as well. The hard work that Bethancourt has put in to force the Braves to promote him again has been notable and he will almost certainly be the first person called up on September 1st.

Next: Nick Markakis: A Quietly, Healthy, Productive Year

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