Braves infielder Chase D’Arnaud has been consistent in limited opportunities.
Entering Thursday’s game, he was hitting .340 and had 18 hits. Five of those hits were doubles that put the Braves in scoring position. As a fielder, his numbers have been even better.
When playing second base, D’Arnaud has a .917 fielding percentage. In 122 innings, he has 24 assists and only two errors.
His success has earned him more opportunities, especially against left-handers.
“Every opportunity that I am out there, I am looking to do something special,” D’Arnaud said. “I just want to get out there and contribute. Lately I have been noticing when lefties are starting, I am usually getting a start. With righties, it is usually a hit-or-miss thing. But I am happy with the plate time, and I think everything has been fare.”
D’Arnaud got his chance to start against lefty Madison Bumgarner on Thursday afternoon. He had two hits and pushed his average to .372 over his past 13 games.
“He is one of the best lefties in the game, and he has done a great job in the past,” D’Arnaud said. “I heard a lot about his stuff from teammates. (Braves hitting coach Kevin) Seitzer gave me a good scouting report, and I committed to a good approach that worked out today.”
The approach was a simple swinging motion.
One example came against Bumgarner. D’Arnaud hit a fastball to right field by letting the ball to travel. This allowed him to stay balanced at the plate and get on base. The at-bat was important to Braves interim manager Brian Snitker as it increased his confidence in having him in the lineup.
“He has done a great job and has been swinging the bat well,” Snitker said. “He has also done some great things in the field with some real rangy type stuff. I’ve said it all along, the guy is an athletic guy. I’m just keeping him apart of the mix as he a value piece to our club.”
D’Arnaud may have more opportunities on the Braves’ next rod trip. The team is heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers. It will also be a chance for him to visit friends and family. He grew up in Long Beach, Calif.
“I’m going to relax and I am already thinking about sleeping in my own bed,” D’Arnaud said. I feel like all my friends and family knows how it goes. They know the routine and I want to stay relaxed and focused before the game.”
