Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo by Curtis Compton via AP / Atlanta Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte is congratulated by first base coach Eric Young after hitting a single against the Minnesota Twins during a spring training exhibition game Tuesday in North Port, Fla.After the worst season of his MLB career, Ender Inciarte is eager to show he’s not washed up.
The Atlanta Braves outfielder batted just .190 last year and was left off the roster for all three rounds of a playoff run that came up one win short of the World Series.
“I was really sad,” Inciarte said. “I’m not going to lie – it was one of the toughest moments I’ve had to deal with since I’ve been a professional baseball player.”
Even though top prospect Cristian Pache is tabbed as Atlanta’s center fielder of the future, Inciarte is getting a chance to win back his starting job this spring. He’s still just 30 years old, but this is a key season heading into the final year of a five-year, $30.5 million contract that includes a team option for 2022.
“In my head, I’m always going to be a starting player,” Inciarte said. “I don’t want to put in my head that I’m a backup player. Once you start thinking like that, you go one step back. I always try to think the best of me. I think I can do some great things still.”