Who Is the Atlanta Braves’ Second Baseman? A Local Fan’s Guide

If you follow the Atlanta Braves, one of the most common questions—especially at the start of each season—is: “Who is the Braves’ second baseman?”

Because lineups can change with trades, injuries, and call-ups, it helps to understand not just who is playing second base right now, but also how the position works, who the key recent players have been, and how to follow it in Atlanta.

The Role of the Atlanta Braves Second Baseman

In Atlanta, the second baseman is a core part of the infield, positioned between first and second base on the right side of the diamond at Truist Park in Cobb County.

A Braves second baseman is typically expected to:

  • Turn double plays with the shortstop
  • Cover second base on steal attempts and force plays
  • Handle a lot of ground balls hit to the right side
  • Contribute offensively with consistent contact, on-base skills, and often some power

For Atlanta fans, this position has often been filled by players known for defensive reliability, versatility, and smart at-bats, even when they are not the most famous name in the lineup.

Recent and Notable Braves Second Basemen

Braves history in Atlanta is full of memorable second basemen. If you’re trying to understand who plays there now, it helps to know the recent landscape.

Key Modern-Era Second Basemen

Here is a simplified look at some of the most recognizable players who have handled second base for the Braves in the Atlanta era (recent decades focus):

PlayerApprox. Braves Years (Primary 2B Role)What Atlanta Fans Remember
Ozzie AlbiesLate 2010s–2020sAll-Star, switch-hitter, power and speed, fan favorite
Dan UgglaEarly 2010sPower-hitting second baseman with big home run seasons
Kelly JohnsonMid–late 2000s, brief returns laterVersatile left-handed hitter, played multiple positions
Marcus GilesEarly–mid 2000sHigh-energy player, strong offensive seasons at 2B
Mark Lemke1990sClutch postseason performances, “Lemmer” legend
Glenn Hubbard1980sSteady glove, classic Braves infield name

Ozzie Albies: The Face of Modern Braves Second Base

In recent seasons, Ozzie Albies has become almost synonymous with Atlanta Braves second baseman:

  • Switch-hitting middle infielder
  • Known for power for his size, extra-base hits, and aggressive baserunning
  • Plays with a visible energy that fits Atlanta’s style
  • Regular in the lineup when healthy

As an Atlanta resident or visitor, if you’ve gone to Truist Park for a game in the late 2010s or 2020s, there’s a good chance Albies was the man at second base.

How to Find Out Who’s Playing Second Base Today

Because rosters change, the most accurate way to see who the Braves’ starting second baseman is on a given day is to check game information close to first pitch.

Here are practical Atlanta-focused ways to do that:

1. At Truist Park on Game Day

If you’re attending a Braves game in Atlanta:

  • Scoreboard Lineups:
    Before the game, the main video board in Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta/Cobb County) displays the starting lineup with positions listed. Look for the player with “2B” by their name.
  • In-Park Announcements:
    The public address announcer reads the Braves’ starting lineup; listen for “playing second base…” followed by the player’s name.
  • Printed Scorecards/Programs:
    On some game days, you can fill out a lineup card yourself once the lineup is posted. The second baseman will be listed as 2B.

2. Watching From Home Around Atlanta

If you’re in the metro Atlanta area and watching or listening:

  • Local TV broadcasts will show the day’s starting lineup graphic, including position (2B).
  • Radio broadcasts from Atlanta-based stations covering the Braves typically announce each starter by position before first pitch.

Wherever you are in Atlanta—at home, at a local sports bar, or in a hotel—checking the pregame coverage is the most reliable way to see who’s starting at second.

Why the Second Base Job Can Change

Even if a player like Ozzie Albies is your mental picture of “Braves second baseman,” the reality is that multiple players may see time at second base during a season, especially in Atlanta’s modern, matchup-aware approach.

Common reasons the starting second baseman might change:

  • Injury to the usual starter
  • Rest days during long homestands at Truist Park
  • Lefty/righty matchups against specific pitchers
  • Prospects being called up from the minors
  • Trades or roster moves near the trade deadline

So if you’re planning a trip to Atlanta and hope to see a particular player at second base, remember there is no guarantee they will start that day, even if they are the usual starter.

How the Second Baseman Fits Atlanta’s Defensive Strategy

For Braves fans in Atlanta, it’s helpful to understand what you’re watching when the ball is put in play.

When you’re at Truist Park and looking toward the field from most seats:

  • The second baseman is usually positioned to the right side of second base, closer to first base.
  • On ground balls to the right side:
    • The second baseman may move toward first base to field the ball and throw to first.
    • Or, if the ball is hit toward first base, the second baseman may cover first for a throw from the pitcher or another fielder.
  • On potential double plays:
    • The second baseman or shortstop fields the ball.
    • The second baseman is often involved in covering second, catching the feed, and pivoting to throw to first.

Atlanta’s recent teams, especially its playoff-caliber rosters, have emphasized strong infield defense, so the second baseman is a key part of preventing runs, not just producing them.

What Atlanta Fans Typically Expect From the Second Baseman

Locally, Braves fans have come to expect a certain profile from their second baseman:

  • Solid glove work: Reliable fielding is important, especially on the infield grass at Truist Park.
  • Offensive spark: Even if not the biggest slugger, the position often adds:
    • Doubles and extra-base hits
    • Energy and hustle on the basepaths
  • Chemistry with the shortstop: The middle infield (shortstop and second base) is central to Atlanta’s defensive identity.

When you hear radio callers, local conversations around The Battery Atlanta, or bar talk in Midtown or Buckhead about the second baseman, it often centers on:

  • Double plays turned
  • Batting average and on-base performance
  • Clutch hits in big series, especially against division rivals

Experiencing the Second Base Position as an Atlanta Visitor or Resident

If you’re in Atlanta and want a deeper, more personal connection to the idea of “Braves second baseman,” there are a few fun, local ways to take it further.

1. Watching From Different Angles at Truist Park

To really see how the second baseman moves:

  • First-base side lower level:
    Offers a clearer side angle of the second baseman’s range and double plays.
  • Behind home plate (even upper deck):
    Gives a full-field view so you can watch the second baseman shift with each hitter.

This can help you appreciate just how much ground the player covers and how often they are involved in plays.

2. Youth Baseball and the Second Base Position Around Atlanta

For families in Atlanta, kids who watch the Braves’ second baseman often want to try the same spot in youth leagues. Across the metro area, second base is a popular position in:

  • Community and recreational leagues
  • High school teams
  • Travel ball programs

Coaches in and around Atlanta typically teach second basemen:

  • Proper footwork for double plays
  • How to position themselves based on the batter
  • How to communicate with the shortstop and first baseman

While coaching styles differ, the Braves’ middle infield often becomes an informal “teaching model” for young players in the city who want to emulate what they see at Truist Park.

How to Stay Updated on the Braves’ Second Baseman in Atlanta

Because this role can shift, especially over multiple seasons, the most dependable approach is to get in the habit of checking the lineup on game days.

Here’s a quick summary of practical steps if you’re in or around Atlanta:

  • 🕒 On game day:
    Check the posted starting lineup about 2–3 hours before first pitch.
  • 📍 At Truist Park:
    Look at the outfield video board and in-park displays for the positional lineup; find the player listed at 2B.
  • 📻 In the car around Atlanta:
    Tune into local sports radio pregame coverage to hear that day’s starters announced by position.
  • 📺 Watching at home or at a bar:
    Pay attention to the pregame broadcast graphic showing the batting order with positions.

By using these habits, you’ll always know who is playing second base for the Atlanta Braves right now, whether it’s a star like Ozzie Albies or another player filling in.

In everyday conversation around Atlanta, when someone says “the Braves’ second baseman”, they’re usually referring to the current regular starter at 2B, most recently highlighted by Ozzie Albies. But from game to game, especially in a long season, the name can change—so checking the day’s lineup is the most reliable way to stay informed.