Adam Duvall has played his way into a starting role with the Cincinnati Reds.
The 27-year-old Duvall has shown he can play left field well enough to start at the position. His throw in the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates showcased just how strong of an arm Duvall has.
In a 1-1 tie, a charging Duvall snared a John Jaso hopping line drive and fired a one-hop strike to catcher Devin Mesoraco on the inside of the base line. Mesoraco was able push baserunner Josh Harrison away from home plate as he applied the tag for the final out in the top of the eighth inning.
The play would be challenged but the out upheld. The play kept the Reds in a position to win the rubber game of the series in the bottom of the ninth.
The throw by Duvall is only one reason why he has put himself in a position to win the starting left field job. The right-handed hitting Duvall went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and upped his batting average on the young season to .308.
Duvall did have a bad lapse on the basepaths after hitting his first double of the game. He kept running to third on a throw home even though the runner ahead of him stayed at third base.
Despite the blunder, Duvall is still showing he deserves to be the Reds’ primary left fielder. He will share time with left-handed hitting Scott Schebler, who is also having a solid start to 2016 that includes a walk-off double in one of the Reds’ opening series’ victories.
Duvall has the arm strength to move to right field eventually. He might get that opportunity this year if the Reds trade Jay Bruce. In any event, he might have to move to right field at some point because Jesse Winker is the Reds’ left fielder of the future starting in 2017.
Duvall was previously a corner infielder before joining the Reds. As a serviceable backup at third and first base, Duvall is even more valuable now that he has shown he has the arm and athleticism to play outfield.
Robb Hoff writes about the Cincinnati Reds for OutsidePitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
/* 4/11/16, df, yes */?>
The post Adam Duvall earns starting role with Cincinnati Reds appeared first on OutsidePitchMLB.
