Peterson embraces multiposition role

Jace Peterson has played 200 complete games at second base over the past two seasons and been the Braves’ primary starter at the position over that period.

But that changes with Brandon Phillips’ arrival. Peterson knows it and said he embraces the change.

“He’s a guy I grew up watching for a long time,” he said of Phillips, 35, a four-time former Gold Glove Award winner just acquired from the Reds in a trade. “He’s coming here to play second base. I’m looking forward to learning from him and playing with him. So for me, whatever my role is on this team, I’ll be ready to go and just pick whoever’s brain I can.”

Peterson becomes a utility player, the role he began transitioning into last season. He’s ready for the challenge of backing up several positions — chief among them: second base, third base, center field — and being ready to fill in at any of them.

“I’m just going to go out and play baseball,” Peterson said. “Whatever I need to do, I’m going to do. Whether it’s play third, short, second, first — wherever I need to play, I’m going to go play. ... Practice everywhere. Take ground balls all over the infield, take fly balls in the outfield. I don’t have too much of a problem with it. I’m looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to moving around the diamond and just excited to get going.”

Braves manager Brian Snitker praised Peterson for how he’s handled the change and talked with him about how versatility has never been more important than in today’s game. It’s even more important on teams that carry one less bench player and one extra reliever, like the Braves did most of last season and plan to do again this year.

“He’s got a great attitude,” Snitker said. “He’s asking me, like, when (can he work at various positions). We’re going to have a lot of time to get him a lot of reps in the outfield. A guy like that can play a long time in this league, make a lot of money and play a lot of years and be a very valuable asset. Guys like that are a sprained ankle away from being an everyday player.”

Peterson and Chase d’Arnaud are penciled in for two of the Braves’ bench spots.