D'Arnaud Back in Braves Lineup After Rest Day
Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud made his way back into the team’s starting lineup on Friday after being given a day off on Wednesday. The 33-year-old veteran was penciled in to catch and bat sixth against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to the Braves’ official Twitter account.
D’Arnaud’s return to the lineup comes as no surprise, as he has been one of the Braves’ most consistent and productive hitters this season. Heading into Friday’s game, he was slashing .287/.346/.487 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 32 games played. His steady presence behind the plate and ability to drive in runs from the middle of the order have been invaluable assets for the defending World Series champions.
While d’Arnaud’s day off on Wednesday was likely just a routine maintenance day for the experienced backstop, his importance to the Braves’ lineup cannot be overstated. The team has had to deal with a plethora of injuries to key players this season, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Eddie Rosario, making d’Arnaud’s consistent production even more critical.
As the Braves look to keep pace in the competitive National League East division race, having d’Arnaud back in the lineup should provide a boost to their offensive firepower. His veteran presence and clutch hitting have been instrumental in the team’s success over the past few seasons, and the Braves will be counting on him to continue delivering in big moments.
With a tough weekend series against the formidable Dodgers on tap, d’Arnaud’s return to the lineup comes at an opportune time for the Braves. As one of the team’s most experienced and reliable players, his impact on both sides of the ball could very well be the difference-maker in this critical early-season matchup between two of the National League’s top contenders.