NORTH PORT, Fla. -- As the Braves were taking batting practice on Friday, a fan asked how I felt seeing Forrest Wall hit a pair of homers less than an hour after publishing an article that didn’t include him as part of my Opening Day roster projection.

Quite honestly, you just have to laugh when something like this occurs. Enjoying a two-homer game like Wall did against the Rays on Thursday could certainly help a player’s bid for an Opening Day roster spot. But at the same time, it could just lead a team to think you’re too valuable to just gather rust on a big league bench.

Remember how Charlie Culberson went two months without playing last year? Before Nicky Lopez arrived, the Braves used their backup infielder as frequently as you’ve used a 1 iron on the golf course. Once Michael Harris II distanced himself from his back issues and got rolling in June, backup outfielders were utilized as often as heaters during Atlanta’s summer months. 

When looking at who the Braves will choose to fill their final bench spots, you have to account for the fact the backups aren’t going to play that much. So you have to find the right fit in terms of both versatility and attitude.

Culberson accepted his role and never complained last year. Kevin Pillar also seemed to be a perfect fit. But this year, Pillar decided he wanted more playing time, so he signed a Minor League deal with the White Sox.

You can’t fault Pillar. He’s got to do what he believes is best for him at this late stage of his career.

So who might fill the Braves’ final two bench spots?

Luke Williams is a name that continues to be heard. Williams spent the final six weeks on Atlanta’s active roster last season. Remember him? No? This is why you could say the Braves’ backup infielders were as recognizable as the Falcons’ third-string punter last year.

The Falcons don’t have a third-string punter? Well, then you understand what I mean.

The top internal candidates for the two bench spots are Williams, Wall, Eli White, J.P. Martinez and Jordan Luplow. But there’s a good chance one vacancy could be taken by a player who is currently in another team’s camp.

Just remember how much value the Braves gained from the likes of Ryan Flaherty and Josh Tomlin after they became available during the final days of Spring Training.

My latest Opening Day roster projection called for Williams and Martinez to get those two spots.

Wall’s offensive game includes more than his tremendous speed. He’s certainly more valuable offensively than Williams. But Williams has speed, and his ability to play the infield and outfield makes him the more versatile option.

When telling stories about former third-base coach Ron Washington’s dedication, I’ve written and talked about the daily defensive work he did with Williams during last season’s final weeks. Wash deserved credit for being dedicated to a player who wasn’t going to play. But this also indicates what kind of attitude Williams brings to the park on a daily basis.

There’s certainly a chance Wall will spend significant time in the Majors this year. But there’s also a chance the Braves decide it’s best for Wall and Williams to both get regular at-bats at Triple-A Gwinnett.

The Braves will continue to evaluate what they have over the next couple of weeks. But if forced to guess right now, I’d say at least one of the final two bench spots will be filled by a player who is currently with another team.

Who holds the franchise record for most total bases in a game?

A) Hank Aaron
B) Chipper Jones
C) Eddie Mathews
D) Joe Adcock

If you’re wondering if you should still select Ronald Acuña Jr. with the first pick in your fantasy baseball draft, you should first ask yourself if you expected him to steal 70 bases again this year?

Just 13 players have ever tallied 70 or more stolen bases multiple times in the modern era (since 2000). The two most recent were Marquis Grissom (1990-91) and Kenny Lofton (1993, ‘96).

Could Acuña end up hitting 50-plus homers this year? Sure. But even before his right knee began bothering him, the odds of a second straight 70-steal season seemed small.

The Braves are confident Acuña will be ready for Opening Day. But they won’t really know until the reigning National League MVP is evaluated by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in California. ElAttrache has already viewed an MRI exam, which showed irritation around the meniscus in Acuña’s right knee.

ElAttrache surgically repaired the knee after Acuña tore his ACL just before the 2021 All-Star break.

Acuña felt some discomfort after he was involved in a rundown during Thursday’s game against the Twins. He remained in that game for two innings and was ready to play on Friday before the Braves decided it was best to make sure he wasn’t dealing with a structural issue.

Hurston Waldrep is expected to be among the prospects to represent the Braves in their Spring Breakout game against the Red Sox on March 16. The rosters will be announced on Thursday.

When Waldrep made his spring debut against the Blue Jays on Saturday, he showed why he ranks as the Braves’ No. 2 prospect. Last year’s first-round Draft selection used his highly regarded splitter as he recorded two strikeouts and pitched around a pair of walks over two scoreless innings.

“I thought he did great,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “His stuff was really good. [Travis d’Arnaud] said the splitter is hard to see. I thought he handled himself well in his first big league camp.

D) Adcock

The big first baseman collected 18 total bases when he homered four times and added a double against the Brooklyn Dodgers on July 31, 1954. Aaron, Jones and Babe Ruth are among the players tied for the franchise’s fourth-highest total (13).

To subscribe to Braves Beat, visit this page and mark "Braves Beat" from our newsletter list. Make sure you're following the Braves or that they're checked as your favorite team.

 View Online