Peterson staking claim to Braves’ second-base job


Jace Peterson, who was acquired from the Padres in the Justin Upton deal, is the favorite to land the Braves' vacant second base job. (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Free agent Alberto Callaspo was signed by the Atlanta Braves over the winter as a potential placeholder for top prospect Jose Peraza at second base, but the veteran has done nothing so far this spring to merit that role.

Instead, rookie Jace Peterson has stepped up as the most likely candidate to start the season as shortstop Andrelton Simmons’ partner in the middle of the Atlanta infield.

Peterson, acquired from San Diego as part of the Justin Upton trade, got off to a fast start at the plate and was hitting .346 (9-for-26) through 10 games with a .438 on-base percentage thanks to five walks.

Callaspo, meanwhile, reported to camp overweight and was hitting .115 (3-for-26) in nine games and in danger of not being able to hold off Phil Gosselin for a utility job despite being guaranteed of a $3 million contract.

Peterson, 24, hit just .113 in 53 at-bats with the Padres last season, but the left-handed batter has been a .300 hitter in the minors with good walk-to-strikeout ratios. He also has the athletic ability to play shortstop as well as second base.

“When I get in there to play, I’m going to play and do what I have to,” Peterson said of his mindset trying to win a job with a new team. “I’m just taking it as me coming out and being prepared to do my job when my number is called. I’ll hopefully perform, do what I’m capable of and just let the rest fall into place.”

Peterson wasn’t the most highly-rated prospect coming to Atlanta in the Upton deal, but the former McNeese State football player impressed Fredi Gonzlalez from the start.

“He’s not just a throw in, he’s a baseball player,” Gonzlalez said. “I like his athleticism and his makeup.”