Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Thursday that he will not employ a strict platoon at third base at the start of the season, MLB.com reports. "You pick your spots with kind of like soft platoons," Gonzalez said. "You pick your best eight [position playe

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Thursday that he will not employ a strict platoon at third base at the start of the season, MLB.com reports. "You pick your spots with kind of like soft platoons," Gonzalez said. "You pick your best eight [position players] every single day. Some days, you go with a matchup. Sometimes you feel that even though he's right-handed [and you're facing a right-hander], if you feel like he can give you some good at-bats, you go with it. For me, it's not a strict platoon situation. We'll play it by ear."

Analysis:

A year after finishing as the runner-up for the NL batting title on the strength of a .300 average against right-handed pitching (384 at-bats), Johnson posted just a .263 overall average in 2014, with his mark against right-handers falling all the way down to .231 (468 at-bats). Johnson has adjusted his batting stance this spring, lowering his hands a bit, and he's seen results so far. Johnson has five hits, including a homer, in his last six Grapefruit League at-bats. While Johnson will be the primary option at third, he will likely sit against especially tough right-handers, opening the door for Alberto Callaspo or perhaps Kelly Johnson to see some opportunities.