ATLANTA — Matt Adams was eager to hit, looking for a batting cage as soon as he unpacked his bag at his new locker in the Atlanta Braves’ clubhouse.

One day after he was acquired from St. Louis, Adams, a former Slippery Rock University standout, made his Braves debut Sunday against Washington, starting at first base and hitting fifth.

Adams takes over for Freddie Freeman, sidelined for about 10 weeks with a broken left wrist sustained Wednesday when hit by a pitch from Toronto’s Aaron Loup.

Adams started only two games at first base and five in left field this season as the Cardinals made Matt Carpenter their starter at first base.

“I’m not trying to come in here and be Freddie,” Adams said. “That’s not who I am. I’ve just got to be myself and go out there and play. I’m just excited to get the opportunity and I’m going to try to run with it.”

Atlanta’s initial choice to fill in at first base was utility infielder Jace Peterson. The addition of Adams, acquired for minor league infielder Juan Yepez, gives the Braves a more established option to provide protection for cleanup hitter Matt Kemp.

The 28-year-old Adams has a .271 career average with 56 homers and 271 RBIs. As part of the deal, St. Louis agreed to pay Atlanta $900,000 on Sept. 1 to cover a portion of Adams’ $2.8 million salary.

“He’s a proven hitter in this league and he’s had some good years over in St. Louis,” Kemp said. “He’s got clutch hitting under his belt and he’s played on a really good team so he knows how to win.”