Los Angeles Dodgers rookie centerfielder James Outman saw his first full season in the majors get off to an excellent start.
He hit .292/.276/.615 with seven home runs and 20 RBI through April, and had established himself as an early National League Rookie of the Year favorite.
Outman saw his momentum plummet in May, however, as his slash line dipped to a meager .165/.261/.291 that month, and his struggles remained with him throughout June.
The rookie returned to form in July though, hitting .309/.434/.471, and he became a truly feared hitter in the bottom half of the Dodgers lineup. His quality play has continued into August as he’s reached base 7 times in 11 plate appearances.
As to what helped Outman flip the script on his season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts credited both his work with the coaching staff, and also star outfielder Mookie Betts with helping the young big leaguer.
“His work with the hitting coaches, Mookie has helped him I think a lot, as well.”
Dave Roberts via SportsNet LA
He later expanded on what Mookie has passed onto the 26-year-old.
“It’s about the idea of how to use that bat as a tool, and how that tool is supposed to actually work.”
via SportsNet LA
Betts is in the midst of a standout season, as he’s hit 29 home runs as of early August and looks poised to pass his career high of 35 homers — set just last season — in short order.
The fact that the future Hall of Famer is taking on a leadership role with his young teammate is great news both for this season and potentially going forward.
Any tips that Betts imparts on Outman can only help his development, and based on the latter’s improved play last month, that assistance looks to be working as the Dodgers get set to head toward the stretch run of the season.
Outman figures to play a sizable role in the team’s push toward October, and as he’s found his rhythm at the plate and in the outfield, he has one of the best mentors possible to help him along that road toward the postseason.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
