Braves outfielder Adam Duvall exited Game 1 of the National League Championship Series Monday after sustaining a left oblique injury during a swing in the second inning.
Duvall was in evident pain after the swing and was escorted to the dugout and down the tunnel for further evaluation. Cristian Pache took his place, drawing a walk off Walker Buehler to finish the at-bat and subbing into the outfield. It was Pache’s first at-bat since Aug. 21. He was placed in center field.
Manager Brian Snitker confirmed Duvall suffered an oblique injury during an in-game interview on Fox. He didn’t have an update after the game, but he expressed pessimism that Duvall would be available moving forward.
“I don’t have anything yet on Adam," Snitker said. "I don’t expect the outcome to be good. He popped that thing pretty good. I hate it for him, the year he’s had and the work he’s put into it. I hate it for that man.”
Duvall had struggled this postseason, going 2-for-20, but one of his hits was a two-run homer in the clinching Game 2 victory over the Reds in the wild-card round. Duvall is a consistent power threat and solid defender.
Austin Riley, who homered Monday, is an option to play left field, Snitker said. Pablo Sandoval, or a player added to the roster, could play third base if the Braves go that direction.
The Braves defeated the Dodgers 5-1 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. If Duvall is removed from the NLCS roster, he would be ineligible for the World Series roster should the team advance, per MLB rules.
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