For most teams, losing an established catcher like Sean Murphy for weeks would’ve been hard to overcome. After all, there aren’t many legitimately well-rounded catchers, so the drop-off from a player of that caliber to the backup is typically drastic.
That’s not the case in Atlanta. The Braves have All-Star Travis d’Arnaud, a beloved veteran who’s been part of several different catching tandems during his tenure here. In the first two nights of the weekend, d’Arnaud smashed four home runs, three of which came Friday.
But the offense is more of a bonus. Since he joined the Braves, d’Arnaud has drawn constant praise for his work with pitchers, young and old. The latest player he’s impressed: Chris Sale, a 14-year veteran who spent the prime of his career earning All-Star nods and vying for Cy Youngs.
“He’s been around the league a long time and he’s very laid back, easy to talk to,” Sale said. “Kind of has that gravitation pull where guys just always — someone is always around him. He’s always in the mix.”
Sale faced d’Arnaud in only one game prior to the two becoming teammates. In July 2019, d’Arnaud went 1-for-3 – with a two-run homer – off Sale in a Rays-Red Sox game.
Asked what he knew about d’Arnaud before joining the Braves, Sale hadn’t forgotten that meeting.
“(I knew that) he was well respected,” Sale said. “We’d crossed paths, played against each other. I was actually on the hook for a shot facing him one time. So I’ve been there, I get it. But just the professionalism, who he is as a person. He’s laid back. Word gets around the league, especially when he’s been in the league as long as he has and myself. You play with different guys, you’re like, ‘Hey, what do you have on this guy?’ And just across the board, it’s been the same.
“It was exciting to get on this team and be a part of this group. And having him as a leader in that clubhouse helps a lot.”
Most would say the Braves haven’t yet found their stride; nonetheless, they entered Sunday 14-5, boasting MLB’s best record as they attempted to complete a sweep of the defending-champion Rangers. The Braves will host the Marlins and Guardians this week as they continue a nine-game homestand.
Upcoming series
The Braves begin a three-game series Monday against the Marlins. They’ll start Reynaldo Lopez on Monday, Max Fried on Tuesday and Chris Sale on Wednesday. Lopez and Fried will be starting on extra rest. Fried has another chance to begin turning around a difficult start to the season. He’s struggled in three of four starts, but his best outing came April 12 against these same Marlins.
Ozzie Albies doing fielding activities
All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies, sidelined by a toe fracture, has started doing fielding drills, manager Brian Snitker said Sunday. Albies was placed on the 10-day injured list April 16 and would be eligible to return Friday when the Braves host the Guardians. Albies has hit .317 through 15 games.
TODAY’S GAME
Braves vs. Marlins, 7:20 p.m., BSSO, 680, 93.7, 103.7, 1340
About the Author
