Braves plan to see more of Orlando Arcia in left field

“You can put an infielder in the outfield easier than you can put an outfielder in the infield, obviously. Guys who are athletic — he’s a shortstop, he’s played third, he’s played second. To his credit, this guy has been a very productive major-league player and he went back in Triple-A and he’s continued doing well. He was willing to play around the diamond.”

– ATLANTA BRAVES MANAGER BRIAN SNITKER ON ORLANDO ARCIA

ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker hopes newcomer Orlando Arcia can provide a spark.

Arcia, 26, was promoted Sunday and started in left field, going 2-for-4 with an RBI in the thrilling 8-7 win over the Marlins. The sixyear major-league veteran was hitting .303/.380/.552 with 13 homers, 11 doubles, 28 RBIs and 41 runs scored in Triple-A. He also stole five bases.

Arcia, a natural infielder, started playing left field last week, a clear sign the Braves wanted to promote him. He’s logged only four major-league innings in the outfield, but he looked comfortable Sunday, even making a nice play to catch a liner.

“You can put an infielder in the outfield easier than you can put an outfielder in the infield, obviously,” Snitker said. “Guys who are athletic — he’s a shortstop, he’s played third, he’s played second. To his credit, this guy has been a very productive major-league player and he went back in Triple-A and he’s continued doing well. He was willing to play around the diamond.

“I’m sure every route might not be perfect but he made a couple really nice plays [Sunday]. He has a really strong arm, which I think in left will serve him well.”

The Braves will go with Arcia as their left fielder for a while, seeing if he can help remedy what’s been the least productive position on the team in recent weeks. His play could influence the team’s approach at the July 30 trade deadline.

Sunday was a nice way to begin his Braves tenue. Arcia had an important at-bat in the team’s fourrun ninth, when they erased a 7-3 deficit. Arcia’s single scored the team’s first run of the frame. He came around to score on pinch-hitter Abraham Almonte’s double.

Arcia looked the part. The Braves will give him an extended run and see what happens.

“We’re going to try him for a while,” Snitker said. “Shoot, who knows? This kid might provide some spark we’re looking for.”