Atlanta Braves Giving Rio Ruiz a Chance to Make the Roster
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves are giving their once highly thought of prospect Rio Ruiz a chance to win a spot this Spring Training. With bench spots open the Braves will give Ruiz every chance, including becoming a utility player.
Rio Ruiz has been a disappointment for the Atlanta Braves so far in his tenure with the Braves’ organization. Once thought to be the future at third base Ruiz is now competing in camp for a utility role.
Ruiz will be given time at first base as well as left field in an attempt to give him every chance to make the roster. Moving Ruiz from third isn’t a great idea and is unlikely to fix his swing or approach at the plate.
Ruiz has potential but potential that he has failed to use to put it all together at the right time. If Ruiz is going to start for the Atlanta Braves in the future this may be his last chance to prove he is capable of doing so.
His K rate and ability to make consistent contact must be the first two things that the Braves see improve this Spring as well as an ability to play other positions.
If Ruiz can do both of those things he will have a good chance to claim a bench spot. Lane Adams and Kurt Suzuki seem to be the other favorites to land spots on the Braves’ bench.
Adams will likely earn some starts if the Braves choose not to add another outfielder and Suzuki will look to again platoon with Tyler Flowers.
Rio Ruiz has a chance to put it all together at a time that the Braves need their young prospects to emerge. Now is the time for Rio Ruiz to finally take that elusive step in the right direction.