ATLANTA -- When the Braves acquired Mauricio Dubón from the Astros in November, they knew they were getting one of the game’s top utility players and a likable individual who would enrich their clubhouse.
As an added bonus, they also gained one of this year’s top situational hitters.
Dubón delivered yet again when he drilled a two-out, three-run homer in the third inning of a 7-3 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night at Truist Park. The two-time Gold Glove Award winner’s ability to consistently deliver in the clutch has made him a favorite among both Braves players and fans.
Ozzie Albies drilled a three-run homer in the seventh inning and Grant Holmes avoided some early trouble while allowing just two runs over six innings. But it was Dubón’s latest two-out delivery that helped the Braves improve their MLB-best record to 42-20.
Dubón is hitting .249 with four home runs and a .684 OPS. None of these numbers jump off the page. But the 31-year-old utility man ranks second in the Majors with a .440 (11-for-25) batting average with two outs and men in scoring position.
The Braves have also benefited from Dubón hitting .327 (16-for-49) with runners in scoring position and .305 (25-for-82) with runners on base. He has hit just .214 (28-for-131) with the bases empty.