ATLANTA — The Braves’ clubhouse had a different look before Tuesday night’s series opener against the Marlins at Truist Park. Manager Walt Weiss provided a glimpse of how he plans to use each of these additions. Acquired: Trade with the Royals
Role: Will platoon in left field with Mike Yastrzemski and provide a right-handed bat off the bench
Key stat: .800 OPS in 135 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season
Weiss’ thought: “If he’s not starting on a particular night, if I have to pinch-hit, maybe fairly early, fifth inning or something, you’re not worried about him facing righties later in the game. He handles himself against righties. He’s not a strictly platoon player.”
With Thomas and Yastrzemski set to man left field, Dubón will be the super utility player the Braves envisioned him to be before the season began with Kim on the injured list.
Dubón will get some starts at shortstop when Weiss doesn’t want Jim Jarvis facing certain left-handed starters. His ability to play every outfield spot will increase the opportunities to use Ronald Acuña Jr. as a designated hitter.
Dubón could also occasionally spell Ozzie Albies at second base and Austin Riley at third base. IL stint: Was placed on the injured list on July 4 with right finger inflammation. Spent the past few weeks playing for the Rookie-level FCL Braves and Triple-A Gwinnett. While Kim’s surgically-repaired finger was inflamed, his batting average was deflated. He’s hit just .068 (5-for-73) for Atlanta this season. His defense has also seemingly taken a step back.
Role: Jarvis will serve as the primary shortstop and Dubón will man the position against some left-handers. Weiss said he will try to find playing time for Kim, who signed a one-year, $20 million deal this past offseason, a couple weeks before a slip on ice caused him to tear a tendon in his right middle finger. IL stint: Has been sidelined since fracturing his right middle finger on May 12
Role: Will be behind the plate, when Drake Baldwin serves as the designated hitter against left-handed starters. But with Murphy being the better defensive option, Baldwin could also be used as the DH in some games against right-handed starters.
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Weiss’ thought: “We love what Murph brings to the table, especially on the defensive side. We love the game calling, the ability to control a running game, the ability to handle the pitching staff.”
Acquired: Trade with the Angels
Role: Capable of providing both long and middle or relief. His presence will take some strain off some primary relievers. Weiss’ thought: “He’s a great clubhouse presence, a pro and very durable. He’s a multi-inning guy that can protect our ‘pen.”
Acquired: Trade with the Giants
Role: Will slot into the Braves’ rotation during this weekend’s series at Yankee Stadium
Key stat: Produced a 3.79 ERA in the seven starts he’s made since coming off the IL with a hamstring strain. Weiss’ thought: “Mahle has shown that he can get deeper in games.
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He’s been throwing the ball well lately. I think he’s a very functional piece for us.”
