The Daily Chop: Adam Duvall Delivers, A.J. Minter and more

Adam Duvall once again delivered a key hit in a Braves victory.

Adam Duvall loves playing for (and judging from earlier this season, against) the Braves.

He has said so multiple times, and obviously his expressions and actions reflect those sentiments when he is on the field. However, a big reason as to why be enjoys playing for the Braves so much is simply the ability to play in Atlanta. Coming into last night’s game, Duvall had a .903 OPS in 246 plate appearances at Suntrust/Truist Park. He had a .909 OPS in 11 appearances at Turner Field.

Of the nine ballparks Duvall has more than 100 plate appearances at in his career, his production at Truist Park ranks second. What will make him more beloved for Braves fans is that Duvall has been his most productive at Citizen’s Bank Park, with a 1.023 OPS in 112 career plate appearances. Fourth on the list is Busch Stadium, where Duvall has a .866 OPS in 128 career plate appearances.

Since he returned from the minors in 2019, Duvall has consistently produced big hit after big hit for the Braves, especially via the home run. He once again did it last night as the Braves earned a critical opening game victory in their series against the Reds. As a result, the Braves are now one game back in the NL East division. Though many players are playing well at the right time for Atlanta, Adam Duvall is certainly delivering once again.

Braves News

• A big need for Atlanta against the Reds was for the bullpen to regain the fantastic form it has shown over the past month after struggling over the weekend against the Nationals. Not only did the bullpen do its job, Drew Smyly stepped up in a needed moment as he matched Sonny Gray pitch for pitch in the Braves 3-2 victory.
• Off the field, the big news of the day for Atlanta did not come in the form many expected. A.J. Minter, who was sent down to Gwinnett a few weeks to hopefully regain his 2020 form, was recalled to the Braves on Tuesday. Shane Greene, who has struggled mightily since joining the Braves a few months ago, was designated for assignment.
• Of course, the expected move for Tuesday that did not occur is actually likely to happen today. Travis d’Arnaud is expected to be activated before tonight’s game, and his return could not come at a better time. Atlanta’s catchers have been the worst in the majors offensively for more than two months, so d’Arnaud will be a welcome addition for the Braves.
• For Drew Smyly, last night’s performance was especially enjoyable, as he was able to put on one of his best performances of the season with his dad, a cancer survivor, in attendance.

MLB News

• As the Braves earned another win, Tuesday was a less than ideal day for the Phillies. Not only did they lose to the Dodgers, but slugger Rhys Hoskins was placed on the 10-Day IL.
• Another team who has felt the impact of injuries is the San Diego Padres, especially in terms of MVP candidate Fernando Tatis Jr. As Tatis Jr. attempts to work his way back to the field, it may not be at shortstop moving forward. The Padres seem be more open by the day at the idea of moving Tatis Jr. to the outfield.
• In general, injuries are continuing to mounting in number for players playing on playoff hopefuls. MLB.com provided updates on many of the bigger names struggling with injuries around the majors, including the newly acquired Javy Baez with the Mets.