In Culberson, Braves have ‘MVP’ utilityman

Charlie Culberson  of the Atlanta Braves doubles for an rbi in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Credit: Mark Brown

Credit: Mark Brown

Charlie Culberson of the Atlanta Braves doubles for an rbi in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Charlie Culberson stood at his locker speaking with reporters before Monday’s game at Marlins Park. He was his usual relaxed, soft-spoken self. He’s carried the same demeanor whether if he was on the chopping block in April, or being declared a team MVP in July.

Culberson had a career-high four hits in the Braves’ 12-1 win over Miami, just another milestone in what’s become his breakout year.

He’s the Braves’ Swiss Army knife, gone from a small piece in a salary dump trade to a key contributor on a contender, switching between the bench and a regular role seamlessly.

“The ultimate goal is just to win,” Culberson said. “They’re going to do their best job to put a lineup out there, and if I’m in there, great. If I’m not, stay ready for when I get that chance.”

Culberson defines the super utilityman. General manager Alex Anthopoulos helped find a gem in the versatile Chris Taylor for the Dodgers, and he appears to have achieved a similar feat with Culberson.

It didn’t appear that way at first. The Rome native was 2-for-25 in April, with fans and evaluators suggesting he was on borrowed time.

Truth is, Culberson might’ve pressed early. As he became more acclimated with the team, and his playing time increased, so did the production.

“I wanted to do well coming back home,” he said. “Just how it worked out is I started getting more playing time. It could’ve went either way. I could’ve continued not doing well or do well. I think sometimes getting that consistent playing time, those consistent at-bats, help guys. That’s helped me and it’s helped my confidence too.

Culberson continued, adding he wouldn’t change how his career has played out. He bounced around the National League West – the Rockies, Giants and Dodgers – before Anthopoulos acquired him as a piece of a major December trade in which the Braves and Dodgers swapped large salaries, with Culberson the smallest name of the bunch.

“Luckily enough for me, I was able to get more playing time, more at-bats, some big hits to boost my confidence a little bit,” Culberson said of his play since April. “But if I had gotten a few more hits sprinkled in there in April with the at-bats I had, it might’ve helped me out a little bit. But I think things happen for a reason, and there’s a reason I wasn’t doing as well in limited playing time. I’m good with it. It’s gotten me to the point I am today. I don’t regret any failures I’ve been through in my career. Things have worked out.”

Culberson’s played six defensive positions for the Braves: 28 games in left field, 12 games at third base, three games at shortstop, three games at second base, two games at first base and a game in right field.

He’s hit .290 in 38 games as a starter. He was slashing .306/.350/.503 in his last 50 games with an at-bat before Monday’s four hits. Not that it’s so black and white, but the team is 22-16 with him in the starting lineup.

When Ronald Acuna missed roughly a month, Culberson was there. When Ozzie Albies suffered a hamstring injury and needed a break, Culberson was there.

He’s allowed the Braves to be cautious with injuries without worrying about the dropoff in production. Anthopoulos has found his Taylor, an easy plug and play who also adds to the clubhouse camaraderie.

“He’s the MVP of our team,” NL MVP candidate Freddie Freeman said. “When Ronald went down, he went to left field and kept going. Ozzie’s gone down the last couple of days, and he’s picked it right up. It’s been huge. There’s not many words you can say to describe what Charlie’s been doing. He’s the reason why we have the chance to play meaningful games in September.”

Culberson became the first Atlanta-era Brave with two pinch-hit, game-ending homers in a season in early June. Four of his 11 home runs have ended a game. He lives for the big moments, even if he can’t explain how.

Even the Braves couldn’t imagine Culberson becoming such a godsend. Sure, they projected a nifty utilityman, but as Freeman said, he’s been a steady presence on and off the field as his team evolves into a force.

“That’s nice,” Culberson said in response to Freeman’s comments. “It’s just been contagious. Other guys do well, you just feed off that. It makes things a little bit more relaxing. Just happy to be in the mix and helping these guys win.”

Typical Charlie. He won’t accept credit and always defers to others. It’s part of why he’s such a hit with his teammates. He quickly earned respect despite a lackluster on-field resume.

He plays hard and has fun doing it. Nothing much was expected, but he answers every opportunity. He puts the team above himself, setting a standard for younger players to follow.

Sounds like an embodiment of the 2018 Braves.

“He’s just been something else,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I hate to think where we’d be without him right now because he just picks everybody up and can play anywhere. The at-bats have been really, really good.”

Fortunately for the Braves, Culberson’s controllable through 2021. Their MVP utilityman is here to stay.