After allowing Dansby Swanson to walk this offseason, the Atlanta Braves expected to replace the 2022 MLB All-Star with an in-house candidate. Vaughn Grissom burst onto the scene in the second half of last season and entered spring training with a real shot at becoming Atlanta’s Opening Day shortstop.
The Braves shortstop come next week won’t be Swanson — now with the Chicago Cubs — nor will it be Grissom. According to multiple reports, the 22-year-old infielder was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, along with Braden Shewmake.
While Grissom has maintained a .323 batting average with five RBIs in 36 plate appearances this spring, he’ll be optioned to Triple-A to work on his defense at shortstop. The Braves promoted Grissom directly from Double-A Mississippi last August and he’s worked extensively with infielders coach Ron Washington in the offseason and this spring to get ready to fill Swanson’s shoes.
The Braves will option both Braden Shewmake and Vaughn Grissom to Triple-A Gwinnett
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 20, 2023
Clearly, the Braves do not feel that Grissom’s ready to be the club’s everyday shortstop. David O’Brien of The Athletic reports that Orlando Arcia will be the team’s Opening Day shortstop, while Ehire Adrianza will serve as the club’s utility infielder.
#Braves will go with Orlando Arcia as their Opening Day shortstop, and will option both Braden Shewmake and Vaughn Grissom to Triple A. Ehire Adrianza is the utility infielder.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 20, 2023
The MLB world reacted to the news that Grissom would not make the Opening Day roster on Twitter:
I can confirm the Braves are optioning both Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake to Triple-A Gwinnett, as @mlbbowman
said.Orlando Arcia will start. Ehire Adrianza will be a backup infielder.
The outcome no one expected.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) March 20, 2023
“oh come on,” wrote Justin Ferguson.
oh come on https://t.co/WQLE9SMwy0
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) March 20, 2023
Not every comment was as tame.
*screams to the top of my lungs until I have no voice* 🫠🫠 https://t.co/fsg0tA5jfD
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) March 20, 2023
I… can’t wait to read all the justifications for this nonsense. https://t.co/JsTnQGFCbT
— Jeremy Timmerman (@jtimm684) March 20, 2023
WHAT is going on?? https://t.co/qyF2B5mknu
— rach ⚾️ (@fortherAch) March 20, 2023
Griss did those drills all winter with Ron Washington and still couldn’t crack the roster? https://t.co/XF2HWY0EsB
— Phill (@MeekPhill_) March 20, 2023
On a day where Grissom goes 3-4 and finishes his spring batting .371, both he and Shewmake are sent down. Orlando Arcia looks like he’ll begin the season as the teams starting shortstop. https://t.co/9Pv9W6trq0
— Frank Stampfl (@Roto_Frank) March 20, 2023
