ATLANTA -- Braves infielder Jace Peterson got an early start preparing for Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays at SunTrust Park. Peterson was on the field nearly five hours before game time taking ground balls at third base with Braves third-base coach Ron Washington.
The duo worked on specific angles to take ground balls that focused on hand placement and footwork in various fielding situations. The exercises also included knee drills, outside backhand catch and toss to further acclimate Peterson to the position.
"We have been doing some stuff since spring with Wash, and he is a big guy on getting you out there and getting you working," Peterson said. "We enjoy working with him and picking his brain, but it's more of getting reps and continuing to do what we need to get ready."
Peterson, normally a utility player, made his fourth start of the season at the third base Wednesday. He is taking over for Adonis Garcia, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with left Achilles tendinitis.
Garcia's injury might be a product of having played on the artificial turf at Toronto's Rogers Centre on Monday night. He woke up Tuesday feeling discomfort. The Braves recalled infielder Johan Camargo from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill Garcia's roster spot
"I think that it's better to back it off and try to get him well," Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Garcia's injury.
Snitker indicated Peterson will get most of the starts at third base in Garcia's absence.
"He has done a good job when he has played over there [at third base], and he has swung the bat pretty well, too," Snitker said. "We kind of want to keep him going if we can.
Peterson served as Atlanta's primary second baseman during the 2015 season. But over the course of the two seasons that have followed, he has developed into a super-utility player who has shown the capability to be trusted at each of the infield and outfield positions.
"This year, I have been in left, third, shortstop and second," Peterson said. "For me, it is just about being athletic and going out there playing and having fun."