When the Braves signed Adam Duvall on a one-year contract worth $3 million a couple of weeks ago, they hoped he would contribute as much as he has in the past.
Duvy hasn't let them down yet as he's been a big contributor already through the first couple of games this season. Adam was brought on to platoon with Jarred Kelenic in left field. That combination in left has already been fun to watch.
NO. FLY. ZONE.🚫
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 30, 2024
What a play from Jarred Kelenic. pic.twitter.com/E9sXIh5UEt
Left-field defense has been a slight weakness for the Braves in recent years but that completely changed in 2024. Both Kelenic and Duvall play sound defense in the outfield. Yesterday, Jarred Kelenic made an impressive diving catch during the third inning of Saturday's thrashing of the Phillies.
Duvall decided he wanted to continue the impressive performance from left field as he made his own incredible play during Sunday's series finale against the Phillies. Adam was unfortunately thrown out at second during the top half of the fourth inning after driving in Atlanta's third run of the game. He temporarily came off the bag while sliding into second and was called out on replay after initially being deemed safe.
However, he made up for that in the bottom of the fourth with Nick Castellanos hitting a ball to left field. Duvall got to it quickly and a strong throw to second base easily beat Castellanos, who unwisely tried to stretch his hit into a double. Albies received the ball and tagged out the Phillies right fielder for out number two.
Chris Sale, who made his Braves debut on Sunday afternoon, was pumped up after this play and didn't hide his emotion one bit. Sale impressed Braves fans with 5.1 innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Phillies ended up winning the series finale by a 5-4 score.
Chris Sale is a BIG fan🗣️ https://t.co/tt2ydxPvl8 pic.twitter.com/eUW9oNDCRq
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) March 31, 2024
Adam Duvall not only helped the Braves on Sunday but he also made a difference for Atlanta during the first game of the year. The Phillies carried a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning on Opening Day but with two runners on base and one out, Duvy lined a 2-RBI double to left field. This ended up kickstarting a massive rally for the Braves who would score seven runs in the eighth inning for a 9-2 lead. The Braves ended up winning that game with a 9-3 final.
This is exactly why the Braves decided to bring back Adam Duvall. They never lost faith in Jarred Kelenic but knew there would be moments when they would need a talented right-handed bat off the bench who could also play sound defense in the field. AA's decision to sign Duvall has been another incredible move by the league's best GM.
The best thing about the move is that it was mutual. Duvall and his family love being a part of the Atlanta Braves organization. Adam's son is a huge fan of Blooper and that likely was a huge selling point for the Duvall family. Okay... having a job is important too but you get the point.
Hopefully, this trend continues and Atlanta will show everyone that they have the best outfield in all of baseball. There is a lot more baseball to be played but Braves fans are enjoying what they've seen so far.