Given that he was previously a fifth-round draft pick, it makes sense for a young athlete to want to make a positive impression during his initial stint with the team. However, in Alvarez’s instance, the additional pressure did not improve his effectiveness; rather, it caused him to press at the plate and stray from his approach.
And the outcomes were evident. Alvarez struck out ten times in eight games and only managed to hit.100 in 30 at-bats.
Alvarez remarked, “I just came in here and tried to impress guys and not be myself.” I am sufficient.
Despite his subpar numbers, Alvarez learned a key lesson from the experience: relax. Instead of worrying about how he performed, he focused on doing everything in his power to assist the team win.
A discussion with Triple-Kanekoa Texeira, a manager, assisted Alvarez in realizing this. He will not be given a position with the major league team if he tries to get better, Texeira informed him. Rather, he had to demonstrate to the Braves why they should call him up.
Increasing his defensive versatility was the first step in that process. In order to strengthen his CV for when the team needed another infielder, Alvarez spent the offseason playing shortstop, second base, and third base.
Alvarez declared, “I’m taking (away) your hits if I’m not getting hits.” I’m proud of that and put a lot of effort into it during the summer. In the infield, I held all three spots. I have been putting a lot of effort into trying to get (with the big-league club) and stay.
Alvarez covered for third baseman Austin Riley in four games and played excellent defense, proving that his efforts were worthwhile. A day later, with the bases loaded, Alvarez jumped up to collect a line drive after making a highlight reel catch over the rolled-up tarp in foul zone on Friday.
It simply feels liberating. Alvarez spoke about playing third base, where he was raised. I feel as though I’m riding a bike once more.
Credit: AJC/HYOSUB SHIN
Credit: AJC/HYOSUB SHIN
Alvarez’s offensive prowess has also improved significantly since his debut over a year ago. After hitting.361 through 11 games with Triple-A Gwinnett, he is batting.267 through four games with the Braves and has multiple hits in half of those games.
When Riley is activated off the 10-day disabled list as early as Tuesday, it might be argued that Alvarez demonstrated enough to remain with the major league team. However, the Braves will have to strike a balance between giving the 22-year-old a chance and his continued need for at-bats. (Due to a wrist injury, Alvarez only played in 18 games this season.)
The team will want to make sure Alvarez gets playing time if he stays, not impede his growth by keeping him on the bench.
The team may want to utilize the remainder of the season as a chance to explore what its younger players, like Alvarez, can do, since the Braves, 43-55 following Sunday’s loss to the Yankees, are stalling.
