Braves Reintegrate Travis d’Arnaud for Key Series Against Dodgers
The Atlanta Braves have reinstated catcher Travis d’Arnaud from the paternity list just in time for a crucial series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team announced the move on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, signaling the return of a key piece of their offense. In a corresponding roster move, the Braves have optioned catcher Chadwick Tromp back to Triple-A Gwinnett.
**d’Arnaud’s Role and Recent Performance**
d’Arnaud, who was placed on the paternity list earlier in the week, rejoins the Braves after missing a brief three-game stretch. His return is significant for Atlanta as they gear up for one of the most pivotal series of the season. Batting .245 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI, and 38 runs scored across 90 games this year, d’Arnaud has become an essential part of the Braves’ lineup, especially in the wake of various team injuries.
Although d’Arnaud started the season not as the team’s primary catcher, his importance has grown considerably. Injuries to other players have pushed d’Arnaud into a more central role, and he has recently been slotted in as either the second or fifth hitter in the batting order in two of his last three starts. This shift highlights his increasing value to the team’s offense, where his experience and clutch hitting have been crucial.
**Impact During d’Arnaud’s Absence**
During d’Arnaud’s absence, Sean Murphy, who began the season as Atlanta’s top catcher, stepped in to start three consecutive games. Murphy’s performance during this stretch included a modest 2-for-11 (.182) at the plate, but he did manage to contribute a home run and 3 RBI. Despite Murphy’s efforts, the Braves missed d’Arnaud’s more consistent presence in the lineup. Meanwhile, Chadwick Tromp, who was called up as a temporary replacement, did not see any game action during this period.
**d’Arnaud’s Career Overview and Recent Form**
Over his 12-season MLB career, d’Arnaud has established himself as a solid catcher, with a career slash line of .249/.310/.427 and 122 home runs in 875 games. His time with the Braves has been particularly productive, as he has batted .253 with a .761 OPS over the last five years. In 2022, d’Arnaud was selected for the National League All-Star team, hitting .268 with 18 home runs and a .791 OPS that season—a career high in homers.
However, the arrival of Sean Murphy in 2023 has seen d’Arnaud share the catching duties, with Murphy emerging as the Braves’ primary catcher and earning his own All-Star selection. Despite this, d’Arnaud has remained an important contributor, and his 14 home runs this season leave him just four shy of matching his career-best mark with 16 games remaining.
**Tromp’s Season in Review**
Chadwick Tromp, who filled in during d’Arnaud’s paternity leave, has played 19 MLB games this season. His last appearance was on May 25 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This year, Tromp has slashed .250/.259/.365 with six extra-base hits, six RBI, and three runs scored over 54 plate appearances. Despite these numbers, Tromp did not see the field during d’Arnaud’s brief absence, prompting his return to Triple-A Gwinnett with d’Arnaud’s reinstatement.