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Atlanta Braves: 5 New Braves Putting Out in 2017 at Memorial Day Weekend

By W. M. Lawson

May 23, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) (third from left) reacts with team mates after delivering the game winning hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) (third from left) reacts with team mates after delivering the game winning hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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With their robust reclamation and reconstruction project in full swing, the Atlanta Braves needed new faces and additions to contribute in 2017. These five players have done just that.

3. 3rd Base- Rio Ruiz

rio ruiz
May 25, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Adams (18) scores a run ahead of the tag by Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) on a single by Braves third baseman Rio Ruiz (not pictured) in the seventh inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The newbie of this group, Rio Ruiz has only played 13 games in Major League Baseball. Ruiz was called up late in 2016, and in five games fared fairly well. In seven AB (At Bats), he hit .286 with 2 hits, 2 strikeouts, and 2 RBI.

After initially starting 2017 in Gwinnett (AAA), and after Adonis Garcia was placed on the 10 Day DL, Ruiz was called up again, and he has made an impact. In 25 AB (8 games), Ruiz has a robust .320 average with 8 hits, 1 HR, and 4 RBI. He does have eight strikeouts, and will need to work on that, but all in all, dude has played well.

If Rio Ruiz can continue to improve at the plate, and continue to flash a glove at 3rd, he very well could push for platoon time whether Garcia is healthy, or not. Oh, and Ruiz is 23 years old. Something Braves fans are very aware of.

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