The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tucker tries to revive career with Braves
Ex-Astros prospect off to a good start, but Acuna looms.
Preston Tucker won’t forget his first hit in a Braves uniform.
After trailing 5-0, the Braves assembled an open
ing-day comeback to defeat the Phillies, 8-5. Tucker’s RBI single in the eighth knotted the game at 5-5.
“It was really cool,” Tucker said. “It was a very exciting game and the second half of the game was awesome. I think that’s the boost this team needed. … The fans were really showing out (Thursday). It was a great first experience here at SunTrust.”
The hit was more than a game-tier or means of endearing himself to fans. It was a step back into the fry for the University of Florida product. Thursday was Tucker’s first major league action since August 2016.
“I didn’t feel like the game was any faster, but
there’s always going to be nerves, like it or not,” he said. “Whether this was your first opening day or 10th, there’s always going to be some nerves. So everyone’s adrenaline was going a lit- tle bit more. But that’s what makes it so fun.”
As an encore, Tucker again had the game-evening, eighth-inning RBI on Friday,
though the team fell to the Phillies 5-4 in 11 innings.
Tucker spent his final season in the Astros organization buried in Triple-A while the major-league team claimed its first championship. He slashed .250/.333/.465 with 24 homers and seven triples across 128 games with the Fresno Grizzlies.
“Patience is the first thing,” Tucker said of what he learn e d last season. “Patience in trying to make it back to the big leagues, and you try to have a better approach. I wasn’t where I wanted to be in my career before I was sent down last year, but I think I’m a better player than I was so that’s all I can really ask for.”
Tucker, 27, spent 2015-16 trying to carve out a role in Houston. He hit .243 with 13 homers in 300 at-bats during his rookie season. He appeared in just 48 games the next season, hitting .164 in 134 a .219 at-bats. average He and finished .274 with OBP in 146 games, slipping out of the Astros’ plans.
The Braves acquired Tucker on Dec. 20 for a player to be named later or cash considerations. It provided a fresh start and ample opportunity; both of which Tuck- er’s used to his advantage.
The Tampa native hit .353 with a homer and 10 RBIs in 51 at-bats in spring training. He sensed there was a chance to earn more playing time and, for the first time in his major-league career, started in an opening-day outfield. “It was absolutely a goal,” he said. “Going into every season, I set my goals high. I’m not trying to be a backup or bench guy, but then again you have to embrace every role you can. Being able to play every day is good for me and the more at-bats I get the better.”
The Braves called Tucker on Tuesday night, telling him he made the team. It was a brief elaborate late Tucker spring conversation will on acquisition his split role. and time didn’t Peter with Bourjos he’s expected in left to field, handle though the heavier load for now.
“For now” serves as an imperative qualifier: The feel-good vibes may be strong now, but the reality is No. 1 prospect Ronald Acuna will join the team as early as April 14. And it won’t be Ender Inciarte or Nick Markakis bumped to the bench for Acuna to assume an everyday role. “In Houston that’s all I ever heard,” a candid Tucker said. “We had a ton of prospects coming up through that system. But then again, whatever role they want to give me, that’s playing left or any other position, or if it’s not starting. I think I have to embrace it any way I can.” Trade: The Braves have added catching depth, acquiring Carlos Perez from the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Ryan Schimpf. The Braves needed help at catcher after they placed Tyler Flowers on the 10-day disabled list with an oblique injury Friday and Kurt Suzuki suffered a bruised right hand Friday night. Chris Stewart started Saturday night’s game against Philadelphia. Perez is a career .224 hitter.