Atlanta has starlet in the hole in senior outfielder Adam Duvall

Adam Duvall is no longer a regular, but the Braves are pleased to have him – for the third time.

Just ask Atlanta’s manager, Brian Snitker. “When Alex came to me in spring training and said he had a chance to sign him,” said the seasoned pilot, “I was very excited.” You just don’t meet guys like that very frequently.

“He’s played an important role in previous projects here. Everyone in that clubhouse was overjoyed when we signed him because he’s a fantastic teammate and a beloved individual.”

Duvall, 35, is the left-field platoon partner of Jarred Kelenic, ten years his junior, who the Braves acquired from Seattle in a preseason deal. He is also Atlanta’s most powerful bat off the bench, serving as the primary backup to center fielder Michael Harris II and right fielder Ronald Acuna, Jr.

When Acuna tore his ACL right before the 2021 All-Star Game, Duvall was one of four outfielders – along with Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, and Eddie Rosario – who filled in for the future MVP. Duvall even hit two home runs in the World Series, which the Braves won in six games over the Houston Astros.

“He can play all three outfield positions,” Snitker explained. “He had an immediate influence as we started the year. He won a game for us. “He’s just a great player to have on your team.”

Duvall, a 6-1, 233-pound right-handed bat, is on a one-year, $3 million contract, which is lower than his top salary of $9,275,000 with the Braves in 2022. He earned $7 million with the Red Sox last season, but injured his wrist after a strong start.

“He had a really good year last year,” Snitker recalls. “I hated when he got hurt because he was doing so well.”

This season, the Braves believed that veteran Duvall would be a better fit as the fourth outfielder than Forrest Wall, a speedster who was demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett despite a great spring performance.

Although Duvall once led the major leagues in runs batted in (113 in 2021 while dividing the season between the Marlins and Braves), he has adjusted to his new platoon role, offering right-handed power against left-handed pitchers. Kellenic is a lefty who competes against righties.

According to his manager, “It’s been good for Adam and Jarred.” The kid takes mental breaks here and there. He has done an excellent job of keeping himself afloat. It takes a lot for a rookie player to come in and justify a trade while also proving himself to his teammates. He never stopped working. He maintains a constant cheerful attitude. And he’ll be better for it. It’s worked out great.”

Duvall, a Louisville native, made his major league debut with the Giants in 2014 and has since played for the Reds, Marlins, and Red Sox, as well as the Braves, who traded for him twice and signed him as a free agent once.

That occurred on St. Patrick’s Day this year.

“It’s crazy it took that long,” said pitcher Chris Sale, Duvall’s Boston teammate last year, “but he’s obviously a great addition.”

Duvall, the oldest position player on the roster, has both experience and attitude. He hit 21 home runs in 92 games for Boston last season, but he won’t reach that mark again unless someone gets hurt. Harris and Acuna play almost every day, but Duvall started in right field on Wednesday as Snitker rested the slumping MVP.

Starting Duvall never harms the defense. He runs well, has a powerful throwing arm, and won a Gold Glove in 2021, the year he made his only World Series appearance. He topped all National League outfielders with 15 assists in 2017, when he primarily played left field.

Duvall has also been a regular in the center, although he is most effective in the corners. He has also played the infield corners, starting 43 games at first base and five at third.

Duvall, a high-power, low-average hitter, entered Thursday’s game with a.210 batting average in limited action this year and a.231 career average.

The veteran outfielder is extending his career despite a significant health issue: he is a Type 1 diabetic who uses insulin. Catfish Hunter and Ron Santo, both Hall of Famers, were diabetics who rose to prominence despite their condition.