The 2016 season came to a disappointing end for Trayce Thompson, as he attempted to play through back discomfort before multiple fractured vertebrae proved to be too much to overcome. Thompson did attempt to mount a late-season comeback, but never played after July 10, 2016.
The Dodgers took a cautious approach with Thompson’s rehab process throughout the winter and eased him into action during Spring Training with an eye on the regular season. He appeared in just 11 Cactus League games, batting .226/.351/.323 with one home run and three RBI.
Thompson struck out 12 times in 31 at-bats, and began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City so as to receive playing time on a daily basis. Shaking off the rust has not come easy for the 26-year-old.
According to Jacob Unruh of The Oklahoman, Thompson is focusing on the mental aspect of hitting to ensure he puts together a strong at-bat:
“It’s tough, but I think right now the biggest thing I’ve got to work on his getting back that mental edge,” Thompson said. “It’s not there right now. You’re mechanics are going to be what they are that day. You’ve just got to go up there and battle. The quality of my at bats right now is not there.”
Including a brief stint with the Dodgers, Thompson opened the year a combined 0-for-38. He singled in the eighth inning on Monday to snap the drought. Though, that remains his only hit this season entering play on Saturday.
Thompson didn’t walk and had three strikeouts in eight plate appearances for the Dodgers, and thus far has six walks and 19 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances with OKC. He batted .225/.302/.436 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs and 32 RBI in a career-high 80 games with Los Angeles last season.
