ATLANTA -- Mallex Smith missed most of the past season's second half with a fractured thumb and then went to the Mexican Winter League only to be released just a few weeks later. The Braves outfielder is now playing in Puerto Rico to make up for lost time and prepare for an unknown role for the upcoming season.
With Matt Kemp, Ender Inciarte and Nick Markakis set to serve as the starting outfielders, the Braves must determine whether to enter the upcoming season with Smith as a backup in Atlanta or an everyday player for Triple-A Gwinnett.