Atlanta Braves Still Waiting to Promote Hector Olivera
By David Hill
At some point in time this season, Hector Olivera is bound to make his major league debut. Of course, that debut has been expected since he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, given his history as a second baseman and subsequent move to third. When he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, that anticipated arrival to the majors seemed even closer.
Instead, Olivera is still waiting in the minors for his turn. It has appeared as though that debut was going to occur earlier this week, but that has been delayed once again. In this case, Olivera’s struggles since coming off of the disabled list with a hamstring injury are to blame, as he has only four hits in his 29 at bats.
While the Braves, and Olivera, are eagerly anticipating his major league debut, one has to wonder if both parties would be better off waiting until 2016. Due to injuries and other issues with getting signed, Olivera has played in just 29 games this season. While his .275/.327/.373 batting line is not awful, Olivera only has five extra base hits thus far in his 110 plate appearances.
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Going back to the end of 2011, Hector Olivera has played a total of 102 games in his past four seasons. He missed the 2012 season due to a blood disorder, and then missed the 2014 season due to his defection. Essentially, if one includes this season, with his injuries and visa issues, Olivera has really played one season out of the last four. Even this season, while Olivera has had those 29 games of action, he has not played those games in a row, having dealt with that hamstring issue.
While it is understandable that the Braves would want to see Olivera as soon as possible, especially with five more years at $32.5 Million left after this season. Yet, for the Braves to get the best return on their investment, even if the Dodgers are footing the bill for the entire $28 Million signing bonus, they may be better served by waiting to bring Olivera up to the majors. By giving him the remainder of the minor league season, then having him play in the winter leagues, the Braves could get the sort of player they are hoping for.
It is understandable to want to see Hector Olivera this season. However, as the Atlanta Braves have nothing to play for, it may be better to let him have the rest of the year in the minors, then go to winter ball, to get ready for the 2016 season.