Chris Sale impressed as the Braves’ whooping $3 million decision is already paying off

01/04/2024 Raymond Baseball 0

Atlanta’s decision to bring back the fan-favorite outfielder has already paid off for Atlanta.

The Braves anticipated Adam Duvall would contribute as much as he has in the past when they signed him to a $3 million, one-year contract a few weeks ago.

Duvy hasn’t disappointed them yet, as he’s already made significant contributions in the season’s opening few games. Adam was moved to left field to platoon with Jarred Kelenic. Watching that combination on the left has already been entertaining.
The Braves’ left-field defense has been a minor vulnerability in recent years, but in 2024 that all changed. Duvall and Kelenic both play solid outfield defense. Jarred Kelenic made a spectacular diving catch yesterday during the third inning of Saturday’s thrashing of the Phillies.

During Sunday’s series finale against the Phillies, Duvall made a great play of his own and decided he wanted to carry on the impressive performance from left field. Unfortunately, after driving in Atlanta’s third run of the game, Adam was thrown out at second during the top half of the fourth inning. He was first judged safe but came off the bag briefly before sliding into second and was called out on replay.

But Nick Castellanos’s ball to left field in the bottom of the fourth inning made up for it for him. Duvall was fast to the ball and beat Castellanos, who foolishly attempted to stretch his hit into a double, with a powerful throw to second base. After catching the ball, Albies tagged out the Phillies right fielder for out number two.

Chris Sale impressed

After this play, Chris Sale, who made his Braves debut on Sunday afternoon, was fired up and was not reluctant to show it. After pitching 5.1 innings and giving up just two earned runs on five hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts, Sale won over Braves fans. Sadly, it was the Phillies who prevailed 5-4 in the series finale.

In addition to helping the Braves on Sunday, Adam Duvall also had an impact on Atlanta in the opening game of the season. On Opening Day, the Phillies led 2-0 going into the seventh inning, but Duvy hit a two-run double to left field with one out. The Braves would go on to mount a spectacular comeback, scoring seven runs in the eighth inning to take a 9-2 lead. The Braves ultimately prevailed 9-3 in that game.

All parties benefit

The Braves made the decision to bring back Adam Duvall for precisely this reason. They knew they would occasionally need a skilled right-handed bat off the bench, though they never gave up on Jarred Kelenic.

The best thing about the move is that it was mutual. Duvall is thrilled to be a member of the Atlanta Braves organization, and so is his family. Adam’s son is a huge fan of Blooper, which probably helped the Duvall family make the decision. Well, so having a job is also necessary, but you get the idea.

Hopefully, Atlanta will demonstrate to the world that they have the best outfield in baseball if this trend continues. Though there is still a lot more baseball to be played, Braves supporters are content with what they have seen thus far.