Walt Weiss turns to unexpected answer for Braves’ shortstop problem

The Atlanta Braves have spent much of the season searching for someone to take control of shortstop. Mauricio Dubon may finally be doing exactly that.

Manager Walt Weiss has experimented with several players at the position, but his recent lineup decisions indicate a shift. Dubon has started at shortstop five times over the past week, including Tuesday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It’s a development few might have predicted when Weiss praised Dubon during spring training.

At the time, Weiss viewed the veteran as a valuable piece capable of helping Atlanta in several different ways. Instead, Dubon has increasingly become the answer to one of the Braves’ biggest lineup questions.

Atlanta has struggled to find continuity at shortstop.

Braves appear to make final call in shortstop competition

Jorge Mateo was among the players given an opportunity, while Ha-Seong Kim failed to provide the production the Braves hoped to receive. Atlanta also turned to rookie Jim Jarvis during its search for the right combination.

None, however, has been able to firmly claim the job.

That has created an opportunity for Dubon, and Weiss appears willing to give him an extended look as the regular season moves toward its conclusion.

The decision doesn’t necessarily mean the competition is officially finished. But five starts at the position in a seven-day span represents more than an occasional matchup decision.

It suggests trust.

Dubon doesn’t have to become one of Atlanta’s biggest offensive threats to make the move worthwhile. If he can provide dependable defense, make routine plays and contribute enough offensively, that stability could be valuable for a Braves club looking to eliminate uncertainty from its lineup.

It also gives Weiss one fewer decision to make each day.

Instead of continuing to shuffle players through one of the most important defensive positions on the field, Atlanta can potentially establish some much-needed consistency.

Weiss knew Dubon could be valuable when spring training began.

He probably didn’t expect that value to come with Dubon potentially taking ownership of the shortstop position.

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