3 Braves Who've Dominated Spring Training So Far

The Atlanta Braves will look to defend their NL East title in 2020, and a few players in Spring Training are already establishing themselves as key pieces in the team's campaign to do just that. While many fans will point out that this is, in fact, quite early to make any assumption about the roster, it's still a good sign of things to come nonetheless.

3. OF Peter O'Brien

Atlanta Braves outfielder Peter O'Brein slides to first base against the Baltimore Orioles / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

In 18 plate appearances this spring, O'Brien has taken the team lead in home runs and OPS. His emergence is one of the more surprising stories of Spring Training this year. As a former second-round pick by the Yankees, the 29-year-old righty has bounced around the minor leagues for the past eight seasons, only earning 182 career at bats in the majors. 2020 might finally be the year he establishes himself as an everyday player, and he might get to do so on a contender.

Peter O'Brien hits second home run of the day. pic.twitter.com/TmkWKVUFZb
— handlit33 (@handlit33) March 4, 2020

2. LHP Chris Rusin

Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Rusin / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Like O'Brien, Rusin has become another Cinderella story for Atlanta this spring, as he holds the team lead in strikeouts with 10 and no walks. In 6.2 innings pitched, he's given up only two runs with a whip of 0.90. The 33-year-old left-hander signed a minor league deal with Atlanta in January after only pitching one inning in 2019. If he keeps it up, he could prove to be a veteran bull-pen arm for Atlanta in 2020.

Chris Rusin, a fringe lefty candidate for the #Braves bullpen, now leads the team with 10 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. It's also worth noting that he hasn't walked anybody.
— Doc Herbert (@BravesHerbert) March 4, 2020

1. Felix Hernandez

Atlanta Braves pitcher Felix Hernanez pitching against the Baltimore Orioles / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Could King Felix be back? At 33 years of age, coming off a couple bad years in a row, it's hard to believe that Hernandez is capable of recapturing the Cy Young form of his younger years. However, he has stirred up some nostalgia recently as Atlanta's best pitcher so far this spring. In 8.2 innings pitched, a team high, Hernandez has given up just two earned runs with eight strikeouts and two walks. Opponents are only batting .226 against him as he is showing hints of a late-career resurgence year in Atlanta this season.