Tyler

Pastornicky

Pastornicky seems likely to beat out Andrelton Simmons for the Braves’ shortstop job, but it’s doubtful he’ll have much fantasy value at all. He’s hit .233/.242/.267 in 60 at-bats this spring.

“He’s got it,” Jones said. “He’s major league-ready defensively, there’s no doubt about that. When everybody says that he’s major league-ready defensively, they’re saying it for a reason.” Simmons, 22, has not appeared in a game above the Single-A level and seems doubtful to be given serious consideration for a major league roster spot this year. Tyler Pastornicky is likely to open the 2012 season as Atlanta’s starting shortstop, though he is 3-for-26 thus far in Grapefruit League play.

Pastornicky came around to score on Martin Prado’s triple after his third hit of the day. The rookie shortstop had been held out of the lineup three straight days prior to this one. After this one, his lineup spot should be secure for a few games.

All four hits were singles, but he raised his average from .159 to .224. With no extra-base hits and one walk in 49 at-bats, Pastornicky still has a lot of work to do. Still, the fact that Andrelton Simmons has been ever weaker with the bat helps his case for holding on to the starting job at shortstop.

This means Tyler Pastornicky has won the starting shortstop job. Simmons impressed with his defense this spring, but considering that he has never played above High-A, he’s better off getting more seasoning in the minors. Pastornicky has good speed, but he’ll mostly be batting eighth in Atlanta’s lineup and isn’t a good bet to hit for a high batting average. He can be avoided outside of NL-only formats. The Braves also reassigned catcher J.C. Boscan and Jose Yepez, infielders Drew Sutton and Josh Wilson and outfielders Luis Durango and Jordan Parraz to minor league camp.

That was the plan coming in, but Andrelton Simmons looked like a possible threat for the job until about a week ago. Pastornicky, who was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Yunel Escobar deal, batted .314/.359/.414 with seven homers, 45 RBI, 27 stolen bases and a .773 OPS between Double- and Triple-A last season. We’re not banking on a high batting average as a rookie and hitting eighth may hurt his chances of racking up stolen bases. The 22-year-old is only worth a modest bid in NL-only formats.

Pastornicky is batting just .175/.214/.325 over his 43 plate appearances, so he has spent extra time working with hitting coaches Greg Walker and assistant Scott Fletcher over the past few days. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to use Jack Wilson again Monday because of his previous success against Dodgers’ left-hander Chris Capuano, but Pastornicky is expected to play the next two games.

Pastornicky also struggled on a ball to his right in the first inning, turning a play most MLB shortstops would have made into an infield single for Derek Jeter. The Braves are set to go with Pastornicky as their starting shortstop, but he could well prove to be one of the league’s weakest regulars as a rookie.

Pastornicky’s improved play, combined with Andrelton Simmons missing some time recently, will likely settle the matter at shortstop for the Braves. We’re guessing Simmons will earn a crack at the job later, but Pastornicky will be the starter initially. He’s just a $1-$2 player in NL-only leagues.

The Braves are treating the situation with caution to prevent a lingering injury. Simmons is competing with fellow rookie Tyler Pastornicky for the starting shortstop job this spring. He will likely begin the year in the minors.