Braves in AFL: Demeritte, Peterson transition to new positions

Dustin Peterson and Travis Demeritte had never played together until coming to the Arizona Fall League and playing for the Salt River Rafters. But they do have a few things in common, beyond both being on the Braves Top 30 prospects list, Demeritte at No. 9 and Peterson at No. 18.

Both are not original members of the Braves organization. They came to the system via trades, and both took place while they were still in A ball. Peterson came by way of the Justin Upton trade with the Padres in December 2014 and this AFL stint is a finishing touch to his second full season in the organization, which was a strong one in Double-A.

For Demeritte, it’s a much more recent change. He was having a huge year in the California League with the Texas Rangers affiliate in High Desert, one that included a trip to the Futures Game, when he was sent to the Braves before the Trade Deadline this July in the deal for Dario Alvarez and Lucas Harrell. Even though Demeritte was returning home — he grew up outside of Altanta — it has taken some getting used to.

“It’s kind of rough, not knowing what they expect coming into a new organization, kind of abruptly leaving my home, so to speak,” Demeritte said. “I had been there for the past four years, the relationships I had established there, having to start over again was sort of a rough transition. But the Braves welcomed me with open arms and they’ve done everything within their power to make me feel welcome. I’m appreciative of it and glad to be home, playing for the hometown team.”

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Both Demeritte and Peterson have also had to learn new positions as professionals. Peterson was drafted as a third baseman and played there exclusively when he was with the Padres. Following the trade, the Braves moved him to the outfield and he’s settled in as a solid left fielder. It’s a move Peterson feels has helped his all-around game.

“It’s been good, I enjoy it out there,” Peterson said. “It’s kind of freed up my hitting. I’ve just been having fun. Wherever they want me to play, that’s where I’m going to play.

“You’re out there, you kind of talk to yourself. You don’t get as many balls per game as you do in the infield. It’s kind of laid back and it just frees up your game. I can focus more on hitting when I’m out there, instead of having to worry about a bunt, know the bunt plays, if a guy’s …

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