Hector Olivera will get more MLB seasoning by playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League for six weeks.
The Atlanta Braves infielder missed a lot of time this season because of a visa issue and injuries. Olivera will get to compete in a legitimately competitive league, which will allow him to face some MLB-level pitching.
The #Braves believe Olivera will benefit from the six weeks he spends in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Seitzer will be down there as well.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) October 5, 2015
After being traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers without playing in a single MLB game with the team that he signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract with, he played 24 games with the Braves. The 30-year-old had a .253/.310/.405 batting line in 87 plate appearances.
In 2016, he’ll likely be the starting third baseman for the Braves. The experience from the Puerto Rican League will get him prepared for when Spring Training begins next year. The Braves are also a rebuilding team without the media in LA, which should create a pressure-free environment for Olivera. He's a guy to keep an eye on in 2016.