Atlanta Braves Bringing Back Phil Gosselin
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves are bringing back a familiar face to provide infield depth. Phil Gosselin has been claimed by the Braves and will join their Triple-A team. Gosselin was good in his time in Atlanta and will likely earn a bench look.
Phil Gosselin spent his first three seasons as an Atlanta Braves infielder. He will now rejoin his first team and likely get a shot at a bench role. With Charlie Culberson struggling early the Braves are making moves for potential bench players.
Gosselin is a career .263 contact hitter. He has limited power only hitting 7 long balls in his career. His value is in his attitude and ability to effectively play different positions. He offers the Braves an alternative option if Charlie Culberson cannot begin to put together better numbers.
Gosselin provides great injury depth as well and will likely get a shot. Dansby Swanson has been struggling with a sore wrist. Swanson isn’t expected to hit the Disabled-list but if he were to require time on the DL Gosselin could step in.
While he wouldn’t start he would backup shortstop and 2nd base effectively enough. The question for Gosselin is if he can get his bat going again? Historically a good hitter when called upon he struggled this season.
He hit an anemic .125 in his limited chances. Struggles last season as well leave questions as to whether he can still be a contributor at the plate.
The last year Gosselin was a productive Major Leaguer was 2016, with Arizona. He hit .277 with a career-high 61 hits.
This move again points to the fact the front office isn’t comfortable. While they believe in their team, they also are aware they must work to continue to help the roster get better.
They are making moves to provide great depth and injury insurance. Look for the moves to continue this season and for this team to be buying at the trade deadline.