As Freeman returns to play third, Camargo stays with Braves as reserve

Johan Camargo will stay with the Braves as a bench player. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Johan Camargo will stay with the Braves as a bench player. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Freddie Freeman returned from the disabled list on Tuesday to play third base, meaning the end of Johan Camargo’s time as a lineup regular. Manager Brian Snitker said the plan is for Camargo to stay with the big-league club as a reserve after the prospect showed promise with the increased playing time.

“I’ve been really pleased,” Snitker said. “It’s great that he had this opportunity. He’s a really valuable guy off the bench with the versatility. This has been a really good experience for him. He’s done really well. It’s good to see. To me he’s a part of our future going forward.”

Camargo, 23, took over as the regular third baseman after Adonis Garcia went to the disabled list. In 17 games since then (14 starts) entering Tuesday he hit .298 with a .317 on-base percentage and no errors in 31 chances.

Camargo also has played at second base, shortstop and left field. Snitker said he thinks he can find enough playing time for Camargo to make it beneficial for him to stay with the big-league club rather than send him back to Triple-A Gwinnett.

“If not, we will reassess,” Snitker said.