Braves getting first-hand look at what Garcia can do
Fredi hopes to get 30-year-old rookie in the lineup more after past two days, including decisive HR
ST. LOUIS -- Fredi Gonzalez didn't know a lot about Adonis Garcia beyond what Triple-A Gwinnett manager Brian Snitker told him of the 30-year-old's plate prowess.
Now the Braves manager has seen it first-hand.
Making his second Major League start since a callup Saturday, Garcia lifted the Braves to a 3-2 win over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sunday. The rookie's sixth-inning solo home run to right field off All-Star Michael Wacha stood as the difference in the game.
"I'm twice as happy now that I hit a home run," Garcia said through a translator. "I accomplished my dream by getting up here to the big leagues, and I'm just happy that I was able to help the team win as well."
Said Gonzalez: "To drive a ball out of the ballpark, especially in this ballpark, which is a fair ballpark, into the right-field bullpen, that's some pop."
The Cuban-born third baseman, who signed a Minor League deal with Atlanta before the season, also made some nice plays at third base, including a diving stop and throw across the diamond to retire Tony Cruz with runners on base in the fourth.
Video: ATL@STL: Garcia makes a great diving stop at third
Gonazlez likes what he's seen of Garcia now that the sample size is growing. The rookie had a two-game stint with Atlanta on May 19-20, when he made two plate appearances (a strikeout and a walk).
"He's got seven or eight at-bats in the big leagues, but I like the at-bats he's given us," Gonzalez. "He's made some nice plays at third base, so that's a nice addition. We've got to find a way to keep him in the lineup somehow."