James Outman has had a tremendous rookie season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he was in the midst of a slump going into the final road trip of the year that began at Coors Field in Colorado.
Outman was batting just .182/.313/.424 in September as the four-game series began. Outman started to break out in the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday when he went 4-for-6, and followed that up with a 3-for-4 effort on Wednesday.
Outman credited his recent success to work with Dodgers hitting coaches and receiving help from some of his teammates, via SportsNet LA:
“I’ve been working with the coaches and just been trying to get myself into a more consistent spot and thanks to a couple of my teammates, talking about timing and stuff like that. I think other than that, having a good mindset at the plate and being relaxed.”
Outman has found a lot of success at Coors Field, like many players have, but for the rookie it is also the place where he made his MLB debut in 2022.
In his first career at-bat, Outman blasted a two-run homer to right field while finishing his day 3-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI, which made L.A. Dodgers history.
The 26-year-old discussed his return to the stadium that has brought him so many good memories:
“I think it’s nice coming back to a place that holds a special place in your heart. But other than that, we’re just trying to win some games.”
Along with his .700 batting average over the last two games, Outman has also added four runs scored, one RBI, one walk and 11 total bases.
This series has also seen him raise his season line from .244/.351/.434 to .252/.356/.444, along with 23 home runs, 69 RBI, 85 runs scored and 15 stolen bases.
James Outman bunted for single
Although he is a power threat at the plate, Outman also showed off his full range of offensive skills in the fifth inning.
With the third baseman playing back, Outman laid down a bunt and reached safely at first base for his first bunt single of the season. That wound up leading to a big inning for the Dodgers.
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