Atlanta Braves Notes: Albies, Grissom, Anderson

The Braves are coming off a 2022 season that saw them tally 101 wins and secure their fifth straight NL East title.

However, they fell short of expectations, as they were eliminated from the playoffs by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS.

Here are some updates from the Braves spring training camp as they ramp up for another big season:

Ozzie Albies

Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies recently revealed his plans to steal more bases this season. Albies hopes to achieve a 40-40 season, despite his career high in steals being just 20. However, this goal is not the only news surrounding Albies.

Albies underwent "regular clean-up" surgery on his right shoulder last October to address pain he had been experiencing for a couple of years. He is currently able to participate in all baseball activities, including batting practice this week, and is confident that he will be ready for Opening Day.

However, the second baseman is being eased back into camp due to the surgery, and is also recovering from a fractured pinky that ended his 2022 season prematurely. Despite these setbacks, Albies should be expected to put up similar numbers to his previous seasons, including three consecutive seasons of 24+ home runs and 14+ stolen bases, culminating in a 30-20 season in 2021, provided he remains healthy. 

Vaughn Grissom

Vaughn Grissom had an impressive performance on Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, going 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.

Despite concerns about his defense, the 22-year-old's offensive potential makes him a strong contender for the starting shortstop role for the Atlanta Braves in the upcoming season. However, a few weeks ago, reports suggested that Orlando Arcia may take the starting role, leaving Grissom to start at Triple-A Gwinnett.

If the twenty-two-year-old continues to perform at this level, it may be challenging for the Braves to deny him the starting role.

Ian Anderson

Ian Anderson was lit up in his spring debut for four runs on three hits and three walks over 1.1 innings of work against the Minnesota Twins.

Normally, this wouldn't be newsworthy as it's spring training, but this spring is important for Anderson to have a strong showing as he is competing for the fifth spot in the Braves rotation.

The Braves have a few other options if the twenty-four-year-old can't impress enough to warrant a rotation spot.

Anderson is coming off a 2022 season that saw him demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett after he struggled to a 5.00 ERA and 1.51 WHIP following an impressive 2021 campaign. Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports