LOS ANGELES — James Outman has began each sport towards a right-handed beginning pitcher this season, and Monday evening was no exception. However within the sequence opener towards the Marlins at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers' middle fielder struck out 9 for the primary time this season.
“James is basically scuffling, he's in between,” supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned Monday. “Uncertainty with mechanics, uncertainty along with his strategy. Once you're in that spot, it's onerous to hit.”
It helped when Outman hit a house run in his first at-bat on Monday to present the Dodgers the lead for good.
It was Outman's first residence run in 4 weeks, since April 9, when he hit back-to-back nights in Minnesota. However he solely had seven hits in 45 at-bats in between, and on the season, even after Monday's residence run he's hitting .169/.267/.303 with a 71 wRC+ and 30.7-percent strikeout fee.
“To be trustworthy we talked at present, and I used to be sick of speaking about my swing,” Outman mentioned. “I simply wished to go on the market and compete.”
Slumps are nothing new to Outman, who completed third within the Nationwide League Rookie of the Yr voting final yr, however his path to that success was not linear. He had a pink April, profitable rookie of the month honors for that month and August, but additionally had a .551 OPS in Could and June. Final yr he was praised for protecting an excellent keel in the course of the ups and downs, however this yr that was not the case.
“Final yr, once I was struggling, it was related in a way due to the indecisiveness, after which at different factors there was swing and miss,” Roberts mentioned. “Then he began throwing balls and he actually took off. Now it's greater than earlier than, the place I see extra indecision.
“To be scorching, it’s a must to have some readability, and be ok with your swing. And I don't assume he's been there but.”
“The massive leagues are robust. These guys are good, they're all good,” Outman mentioned. “It's simpler mentioned than carried out to have readability within the field, but it surely's essential.”
Timing is of the essence as Jason Heyward ramps up baseball exercise whereas rehabbing from again tightness, however he's nonetheless seemingly no less than every week away from returning. The Dodgers have two outfielders with minor league choices. Outman was utilized in a near-tight platoon, beginning simply as soon as towards a left-handed pitcher, whereas Andy Pages pitched each inning of the 18 video games wherein he was energetic, performing properly each offensively and defensively whereas enjoying the central discipline and to the precise. discipline
It's straightforward to see the place that is main.
“We're right here to win baseball video games. Giving guys leashes and alternatives is one factor,” Roberts mentioned. “However on the finish of the day, if you’re the way in which [Pages is] enjoying either side of the baseball, he earns the precise to play each day.
Roberts mentioned there was no dialogue in regards to the Outman possibility, no less than not but.
“A number of it relies on Jason and his development, which is coming alongside very well. So we nonetheless have a while,” Roberts mentioned. “However now for me, it's simply get on the market and attempt to work on some issues, clear your thoughts, and assist win a sport.”
Heyward hit in a gaggle batting follow on Monday, as he additionally did on Saturday. He additionally took a number of at-bats within the cage utilizing a Trajekt Arc pitching machine that simulates dealing with actual pitchers with varied arm slots and pitch varieties. No minor league rehab project has but been scheduled for Heyward, however that dialogue will seemingly occur when the Dodgers attain the bullpen Thursday.
The Dodgers face 4 right-handed beginning pitchers within the closing 5 video games this week, which ought to give Outman ample enjoying time to regain his relevance. Monday's residence was a begin.
“Tonight was a very good offensive evening,” Roberts mentioned after Monday's sport. “I hope it carries over to tomorrow.”
