Major League Baseball

Jace Peterson might just be a viable leadoff hitter for the Braves

Published May. 21, 2015 4:15 p.m. ET

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Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has inserted a variety of batters into the leadoff spot this season, but he just may have found a long-term solution to spark the Braves' offense.

For the past five games, Gonzalez has penciled in Braves newcomer Jace Peterson at the top of the batting order, a move that's proved beneficial to the club's offense.

Since taking over as Atlanta's leadoff hitter on May 15, Peterson has driven in seven runs on four hits and has drawn three walks over a five-game span, in which the Braves have won four games.

While it's a small sample size, the Braves are enjoying the impact Peterson has had in the leadoff spot.

The team especially felt Peterson's influence in the Braves' 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, in which Peterson was 0-for-2 but was patient as the plate and drew two walks.

One of those walks led to what would prove to be a crucial run in the bottom of third, as it kept the inning alive and set the stage for an RBI single from Alberto Callaspo.

"[That walk] kept the rally going and we end up scoring a run," Gonzalez said after Wednesday's game. "And you know, [Peterson] just keeps getting better and better."

Peterson, who joined the Braves this season after spending his rookie campaign with the San Diego Padres, seems to be rapidly adapting to the game at the major-league level.

The 25-year-old second baseman collectively has less than a half-season of MLB experience, which has Gonzalez and the Braves anxious to see how his development continues.

"We run him out there and defensively we feel really good about him, so it was good," Gonzalez said of Peterson's patience at the plate. "It was good to see him develop."

(h/t MLB.com)

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