Mauricio Dubon Provides Key to Atlanta Braves Offense Ahead of MLB Playoffs

The Atlanta Braves are heading into the playoffs as National League East champions after finishing the regular season with a 94-68 record. 

The Philadelphia Phillies finished six games behind. None of that matters now. The Braves are set to host the Phillies for a best-of-three wild card series at Truist Park.

Utility man Mauricio Dubon spoke with reporters before the final game of the regular season and had a message for how the offense should approach October.

“Just passing the baton. Just giving the other guy a chance. Don’t play hero. Don’t try to hit a five-run home run. Just passing the baton, I think that will be the biggest (key),” Dubon said, via Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Dubon wants Atlanta's hitters focused on quality at-bats, moving runners and giving the next hitter an opportunity rather than trying to accomplish everything with one swing. It is the right message for a lineup filled with talent from top to bottom. Even the players who struggled this year have playoff experience, and that will matter in a best-of-three.

Dubon will be heading into the postseason with momentum. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI single in Atlanta’s 5-3 loss to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. The Braves rested a few everyday players, so he stepped up.

Dubon has had a strong first season with the Braves. The 32-year-old veteran was dealt to Atlanta this past offseason in a trade with the Houston Astros. 

Across 153 games, Dubon hit .276 with a .321 on-base percentage and .720 OPS, along with 12 home runs, 73 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

His versatility has also been a major part of his role with the Braves. Dubon can handle multiple positions and that has helped manager Walt Weiss a ton given how many injuries Atlanta has dealt with. 

Dubon brings some postseason experience to the clubhouse. He was part of the Houston Astros team that won the World Series in 2022.

That experience gives him credibility when he speaks in the clubhouse ahead of a short series. Dubon knows what it takes to win in October.

The Braves are a different team with different pieces, but the lesson is the same. Survive the early rounds, stay disciplined at the plate and let the talent take over when the moment arrives. Atlanta has plenty of that talent. Now it is about channeling it correctly.