Should Mauricio Dubón Remain the Atlanta Braves Starting Shortstop?

The episode of Locked On Braves centers on the ongoing debate over whether Mauricio Dubón should remain the starting shortstop for the Atlanta Braves despite the impending return of Ha-Sung Kim, whom the team signed to a $20 million contract. Host Jake Mastriani argues that Dubón has outperformed Kim in both defense and offense so far in 2026, with superior defensive metrics and strong offensive numbers that, while likely to regress, still align with Kim’s peak production. However, Mastriani acknowledges Kim’s advantages in walk rate and base-stealing potential, and stresses that the Braves’ financial commitment to Kim means he will likely reclaim the starting role upon return. The episode also covers Ronald Acuna Jr.’s plunking in a game against the Nationals, his subsequent exit as a precaution, and the Braves’ 9-4 win. Additionally, the injury to reliever Rysel Iglesias due to right shoulder inflammation raises concerns about bullpen depth, especially in the middle innings, prompting discussion about potential call-ups like Ian Hamilton or James Karinchak. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming game against the Nationals, highlighting the matchup between rookie lefty Foster Griffin and Braves’ Ronaldo Lopez. Key takeaways include: Dubón’s strong defensive and offensive start justifies his current role; Kim’s contract and past performance give him a clear path back to the starting job; the Braves’ offense must continue scoring heavily to win the series; bullpen depth is a growing concern with Iglesias out; and the team should maximize right-handed hitters against lefty Griffin. Overall, the episode reflects cautious optimism, emphasizing that competition at shortstop is a positive sign of depth, but also highlights vulnerabilities in the bullpen and the need for consistency from key players.