July 5, 2020 2:40 PM : Braves manager Brian Snitker mentioned Duvall, Austin Riley and Johan Camargo as possible first-base options in the event Freddie Freeman (illness) isn't available for the start of the season, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: One of four Braves players revealed Saturday to have tested positive for COVID-19, Freeman admitted that he was dealing with a high fever and body aches, which suggests he may require a longer recovery time than the other three players who have also gone into self-isolation. With Freeman's availability for the July 23 or 24 Opening Day game firmly up in the air, the Braves will work out multiple players at first base during summer camp. Duvall has worked almost exclusively out of the outfield since the 2015 season, but his prior experience as a corner infielder while coming up through the Giants' system at least gives him an existing familiarity with the nuances of first base. Duvall was already likely to benefit from a boost in playing time in 2020 with the implementation of the universal designated hitter, and a potential Freeman absence would only further aid his playing-time outlook and fantasy appeal. Duvall flashed some intriguing power in a backup role with the Braves in 2019, homering 10 times in just 130 plate appearances.