Chipper Jones returning to instruct Braves hitters

Hall NORTH PORT, FLA. — of Famer Chipper Jones is expected to rejoin the Braves’ coaching staff for the upcoming season. Jones will be a major-league hitting consultant for the franchise this season, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Atlanta Journal-constitution.

Jones served in this role in 2021. Last year, MLB required its managers and coaches to be up to date on vaccinations, and Jones was not part of the staff. MLB has not officially released its vaccination rules for 2023.

Jones will work with the Braves’ hitters before home games, just as he did in 2021. He isn’t expected to travel with the team or be in the dugout during home games.

In February 2021, Jones told reporters he liked the flexibility he felt the role would offer. “I would much rather go to the ballpark from noon to 6 o’clock every day and be home for dinner and put the kids to bed and wake up and take them to school and watch the games on TV,” Jones said then. A couple of years ago, Jones offered a bit about his philosophy toward coaching. “If you as a hitting coach are stubborn in trying to make everybody hit like you did, you’re an idiot,” he said. “A good hitting coach knows what every single hitter does well, knows the weaknesses of all their hitters and helps them be the best version of them they can be.”

Voluntary reports

Monday marked the report date for pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic. Only four Braves are in the WBC, but many more players already reported to camp, including Ronald Acuña, Ozzie Albies, Spencer Strider and Ian Anderson. Also reporting: newcomer Sean Murphy; Kevin Pillar, a non-roster invitee; and reliever Joe Jiménez, acquired in December.

Spring games on TV

Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast will televise seven Braves spring training games in March. Bally Sports South/southeast itself will produce four broadcasts, beginning March 23 against the Mets. The network will also carry games from March 25-27 against the Twins, Pirates and Red Sox. Bally Sports South/southeast will carry the feeds of Bally Sports Sun and Bally Sports Detroit, for three additional games: March 10 at the Rays, March 16 at the Rays, and March 22 at the Tigers.

Fans can watch Bally Sports South/southeast through AT&T U-verse, Directv, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubotv, Spectrum and Xfinity. Streaming is available on Ballysports.com and the Bally Sports app.