After multiple weeks marred by bad luck and growing frustration, Josh Reddick has begun to produce at the rate the Los Angeles Dodgers expected when they acquired the outfielder prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
Reddick’s play has afforded Dodgers manager Dave Roberts with the option, or luxury, of starting Yasiel Puig in right field. The rookie manager has also used Puig and Reddick as a platoon of sorts in right field.
With the Colorado Rockies starting right-hander Chad Bettis on Saturday night, Reddick was in the lineup. And he more than contributed in the Dodgers’ 14-1 blowout victory.
After drawing a walk and grounding out in his first two plate appearances, Reddick doubled and scored a run in the fifth inning.
His RBI single in the sixth extended the Dodgers’ lead to 8-0. Then in the seventh, Reddick crushed the third grand slam of his career:
"Oh my gosh. That is gonna go into the bullpen." pic.twitter.com/Mh0CMAoMDf
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 25, 2016
Reddick finished the night 3-for-4 with one double, the third career grand slam, and a season-high five RBI. Over 18 games (15 starts) this month, he’s is batting .370/.404/.500 with five doubles, two home runs and eight RBI.
The 29-year-old said the change in fortune is tied to a consistent work ethic and strong approach at the plate.
