ARLINGTON, Texas -- Atlanta Braves left fielder Adam Duvall exited Monday's National League Championship Series opener with an injury to his left oblique, prompting rookie Cristian Pache to replace him in the middle of his second-inning at-bat.
Duvall grabbed at his left side immediately after fouling off a 1-1 fastball from Los Angeles Dodgers starter Walker Buehler. The 32-year-old right-handed hitter, who reemerged as an everyday player and posted an .833 OPS in 2020, noticeably winced and eventually disappeared down the tunnel alongside members of the Braves' training staff.
"I don't expect the outcome to be good," Braves manager Brian Snitker said after the game. "He popped it."
Pache, 21, had just four plate appearances for the Braves during the regular season. If Duvall misses time, the Braves can also play Charlie Culberson in left field if they decide to keep Marcell Ozuna at designated hitter. Pache stayed in the game at center field after drawing a walk, prompting Ronald Acuna Jr. to move to right and Nick Markakis to move to left.