Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > James Outman Credits Jason Heyward, Will Smith & More Dodgers Teammates For Keeping Him ‘Centered’ During Slump
Dodgers NewsFeatured

James Outman Credits Jason Heyward, Will Smith & More Dodgers Teammates For Keeping Him ‘Centered’ During Slump

Matt Borelli
May 18, 2023
3 Min Read
Jason Heyward, James Outman
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

James Outman broke out of his slump with a game-winning grand slam that propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers to defeating the Minnesota Twins, 7-3, and giving them a sixth consecutive series win.

Prior to Wednesday’s series finale at Dodger Stadium, Outman had been mired in an 5-for-33 skid (.152 batting average) over his previous 11 games. “It’s no secret I was grinding,” Outman said after the Dodgers’ win.

“My teammates were keeping me positive. David (Peralta), J-Hey (Jason Heyward), Will (Smith), Freddie (Freeman), to name a few. There was obviously way more. They were keeping me centered, and it felt really good to finally come through in a big spot.”

Outman singled out Will Smith in particular for helping him find silver linings when he wasn’t getting the results he wanted. “Will was telling me to find a positive in the negative.

“Like in a situation, at least I swung at good pitches, or at least I moved the ball forward and stuck to my approach. Stuff like that. Finding positives when you’re grinding, I think really helps out.”

Throughout his slump Outman noticed opposing pitchers attacking him differently but also there was a drop off in an area he typically excels in.

“I was missing the heater a lot. It’s kind of uncharacteristic of me, to be honest,” Outman explained. “That was kind of the pitch I’ve always been looking for. I was getting frustrated with myself a little bit, missing good pitches to hit. But definitely high heaters, up and in.”

James Outman tried different solutions to end slump

As he was pressing at the plate, Outman took extra batting practice and tried sticking to his routine to help break out of his slump. “Little bit of both, to be honest,” Outman began when asked which approach he took.

“You want to get your swing right, but at the same time you don’t want to overdue it. I was talking to the hitting coaches before the game today, and we were just trying to get back to my routine in Spring Training and the early parts of the season.”

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:David PeraltaFreddie FreemanJames OutmanJason HeywardLos Angeles DodgersMax MuncyWill Smith
ByMatt Borelli
Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the dugout
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Appreciative Of Another Postseason Opportunity; Willing To Pitch In Any Role Asked

October 4, 2019
October 4, 2019
Dodgers logo, bats
FeaturedRumors

Dodgers Rumors: Minor Leaguers Released From Organization

June 23, 2020
June 23, 2020
Anthony Banda
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers Acquire Anthony Banda From Guardians

May 17, 2024
May 18, 2024
Gavin Lux, Molly O'Boyle, Gavin Lux Day
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Gavin Lux Appreciative Of Recognition By Kenosha County

November 26, 2024
November 26, 2024

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어