Defensive struggles sending Adonis to left field

ATLANTA — The Braves know that they are weakening themselves at whichever position they place Adonis Garcia on the field. But instead of continuing to make Garcia a potential liability at third base on a daily basis, they will soon begin providing him some starts in left field.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez was ready to put Garcia in left field for Monday’s series opener against the Red Sox. But once he accounted for Jeff Francoeur’s previous success against Boston starter Rick Porcello, he opted to keep Garcia at third base and utilize Francoeur in left field.

Gonzalez’s plan is to put Garcia in left field against a right-handed starting pitcher and at third base against a left-handed starter. Garcia’s first start in left field likely will not occur until Friday at Wrigley Field. He’ll play third base when Boston starts lefty David Price on Tuesday, and he will serve as Atlanta’s designated hitter in Boston on Wednesday and Thursday.

Garcia made seven starts for …

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