Dustin Peterson Lives Up To Potential

Dustin Peterson (Photo by Bill Mitchell)

ATLANTA—The Braves were not sure what they were getting when they acquired Dustin Peterson from the Padres two years ago as part of the package for Justin Upton.

Peterson had been San Diego’s second-round pick in 2013 yet was struggling to establish himself in pro ball. Pre-draft scouting reports suggested that the Gilbert (Ariz.) High product and younger brother of Mariners prospect D.J. Peterson had the potential to hit, thanks to his quick hands and short swing that generates loft and backspin.

The Braves converted Peterson from third base to left field, and he jumped out to a fast start at high Class A Carolina in 2015 before missing three weeks following the team’s bus crash that May.

The 22-year-old Peterson experienced a breakthrough at Double-A Mississippi in 2016, when he earned the organization’s minor league player of the year award. He batted .282/.343/.431 with 12 home runs and a Southern League-leading 38 doubles. Among Braves farmhands, only low Class A Rome third baseman Austin Riley (61) collected more extra-base hits than Peterson (52).

“He gives you a good at-bat every time he goes up to the plate,” Mississippi manager Luis Salazar said. “He got stronger, and he worked hard to be a consistent force in our lineup. He does a lot of things very well, and he has a chance to be a very good player.”

Playing left field is new for Peterson, who played shortstop in high school. He made progress on his routes and reading the ball off the bat in 2016, to the point where he could be at least an average defender at the major league level.

The Braves believe Peterson, who will open 2017 at Triple-A Gwinnett, is just beginning to reach his potential. He will receive a long look during big league camp next spring, which could better focus his time table.

WIGWAM WISPS

• Two familiar faces returned when the Braves hired Dom Chiti as minor league director of pitching and Dave Wallace as a special assistant. Wallace will work with pitchers at all levels, including the majors. Both left the Braves in 2014 to join the Orioles’ major league staff.

• Righthander Matt Wisler did not allow a run in his first two starts with Licey of the Dominican League. He worked 183 innings during the regular season and planned to work a few short outings this winter to approach 200.