White's dazzling play at second strengthens his case to stay on the roster

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Eli White and his siblings were among the kids who raced through Turner Field¡¯s outfield seats hoping to catch a batting practice homer hit by Chipper Jones or Andruw Jones. Many years later, he realized his childhood dream of playing for the Braves.

Now, after spending just small portions of the past two seasons on Atlanta¡¯s roster, White has an even greater opportunity. If the 30-year-old outfielder proves he is versatile enough to also handle the infield positions when needed, he may finally stick with the Braves for more than just a few weeks at a time.

¡°It¡¯s exciting knowing that I¡¯ve got a chance,¡± White said. ¡°I try not to think about that too much. Just take it a day at a time. It¡¯s been exciting being back in the infield. That¡¯s something I¡¯ve wanted to do the last couple years because I felt like it would help my chances. So, hopefully I can show I can play infield at a high level and make the team.¡±

As things currently stand, Chadwick Tromp, or whoever fills the backup catcher role, is the only essential lock for the bench. If Bryan De La Cruz is going to platoon with Jarred Kelenic in right field while Ronald Acu?a Jr. is out, then De La Cruz would fill another of the four available bench spots. Nick Allen doesn¡¯t have any options remaining, so he seems to be the favorite to begin the season as the primary backup infielder.

The final spot could come down to a battle between Luke Williams and White, who like Williams is attempting to prove he can play every infield and outfield position. White has the advantage with the glove, bat and speed. The added versatility seems to make him the favorite in this position battle.

¡°We know [White] can go out and play a great center field right now,¡± Braves manager Brian Snitker said. ¡°As we¡¯re looking to put this thing together, a guy with versatility who can run like he can, it¡¯s just a feather in his cap. It makes him more useful.¡±

Early indications have been positive for White, who has been used nearly exclusively as an outfielder since the start of the 2020 season. He looked like a Gold Glove second baseman on Sunday afternoon when he ranged to his left, slid across the outfield grass on his knees, and secured Rays center fielder Kameron Misner¡¯s grounder while simultaneously spinning to throw to second base for a forceout.

¡°It felt good because that¡¯s not one of those plays you really practice,¡± White said. ¡°I didn¡¯t really surprise myself because I¡¯ve made plays like that before. Instincts took over, knowing how to slide, go to the ground, get to a good position and make a throw. It was good to get that one out of the way early and build confidence. It was good to remember, ¡®Hey, you used to be pretty good at this'. So, it was cool to experience.¡±

White¡¯s desire to be a big league shortstop began to fade when he began experiencing elbow discomfort and throwing issues during his junior season at Clemson University. He was drafted by the A¡¯s in the 2016 MLB Draft, had elbow surgery that winter and remained an infielder for a few more years.

The Braves knew White had the capability of playing the infield when they acquired him from the Rangers after the 2022 season. But he was never seriously considered an infield candidate until late last season, when Whit Merrifield fractured his foot two weeks before Ozzie Albies was activated from the injured list.

White played just three innings as a second baseman before Albies returned just ahead of the regular season¡¯s final week. But that turn of events has created the chance to add to his versatility this spring and realize the dream of being part of a Braves Opening Day roster.

¡°It would mean the world to me, my family and everybody,¡± White said. ¡°It would be a super sweet experience.¡±