Gettin’ Miggy With It: Andujar’s Hot Start
While the weather is still trying to catch on, things have been heating up in a big way in the Bronx. The Yankees have won seven games in a row and have been pouring on the runs, putting up 51 during the win streak. One of the major components of this streak has been the play of one of most recent Baby Bombers, Miguel Andujar.
Photo Credit : AP Photo/Kathy Willens
After a slow start, going hitless and looking fairly overwhelmed in his first three games, Andujar’s bat has caught fire and has been red-hot ever since. Over his last 15 games, he is hitting .350 with eleven doubles, one triple, three homers and eleven RBIs. The extra base hits alone are a staggering number for such a brief period. With his production added to a rejuvenated lineup, it’s easy to see why the Yankees have been putting up so many runs. He has greatly helped minimize any holes in the Yankees lineup from top to bottom. His latest heroics coming last night when he ignited a game-tying rally in the ninth inning with a double down the left field line. The Yankees would eventually win on a Didi Gregorius home run in the tenth.
While it’s not out of the question that his production may slip over the course of the full major league season, he has shown the upside and promise worthy of staying in the majors. Outside of scouts questioning his defense, early knocks on him were that he maintained a low walk/high contact approach, which usually does not translate to high success in the big leagues. While he still maintains his contact approach, as seen by his helicopter like swing, he has shown that he can hit almost anything over the plate, demonstrated by his 90.3% zone contact rate. The walks are still on the lower side, but it’s a bit unfair to be hard on a youngster who just wants to prove his worth to stay on a major league roster.
Photo Credit : MLB.com
With Brandon Drury working his way back from the DL, third base should still be Andujar’s job to lose. He has built a compelling case in his short showing that he can produce on the big stage. Unless he goes into a major funk, the Yankees should be willing to commit to him for the foreseeable future.
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