Braves' $6.1 million infielder is serviceable for Jurickson Profar, Ozzie Albies reasons
Braves' $6.1 million infielder is serviceable for Jurickson Profar, Ozzie Albies reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Atlanta Braves knew they were in a pinch when shortstop Ha-Seong Kim underwent surgery on his right middle finger.
Kim will return to the middle infield position when he makes his return from the injured list, but Atlanta made a trade during the offseason that may have saved them from disaster.
In November, the Braves acquired utility man Mauricio Dubon from the Houston Astros in exchange for slick-fielding shortstop Nick Allen . Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly believes Dubon is Atlanta's "best-kept secret" following Jurickson Profar 's 162-game suspension.
"Even once Kim returns, Dubón—acquired in a trade with the Astros this past offseason—his ability to play in the outfield might mean he backfills the loss of Jurickson Profar for the season," Kelly wrote Saturday. "Dubón is also insurance at second base if Ozzie Albies gets hurt."
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Dubon's defensive versatility makes him a valuable asset for manager Walt Weiss. He's won two utility Gold Glove Awards in his eight-year career with the Astros, San Francisco Giants , and Milwaukee Brewers .
Fun fact: Dubon is the only Major League player who was born and raised in Honduras.
