Francisco Alvarez returned to the lineup on Tuesday after being rested for two straight games to overcome a slump that dates back to late June.
Manager Carlos Mendoza is hoping the time off will be a “reset” for the 22-year-old, who hit 25 home runs last year but has been a dismal performer at the plate for much of the year.
Alvarez singled in the eighth inning of a 7-2 win over Boston at Sitt Field, driving in four runs and scoring, but acknowledged before the game how tough the struggle had been.
“I think right now is the worst time of my career,” Alvarez said. “From the minor leagues to the major leagues, this year and last year. The last two months have been the worst.”
It's easy to see why: Alvarez, batting ninth in Tuesday's lineup, has seven extra-base hits, 50 strikeouts and a .495 OPS in his past 49 games.
That's in stark contrast to his first 15 games after coming off the disabled list in June, when he hit eight extra-base hits and raised his season OPS to .918.
Alvarez said he feels good overall and that his thumb, which was on the injured list earlier in the season, is doing well.
“I've never felt better in September,” Alvarez said.
He unleashed a rocket through the right side of the infield on Tuesday, but it didn't produce any results.
Alvarez said he was confident that the two days he spent out of the lineup, both working on his plate and watching video, helped him get back into shape at the plate, where he didn't hit the ball as hard as he did a year ago and hit more grounders and fewer flies than he did in his rookie season.
Before giving Alvarez a “mental rest” on a recent trip, Mendoza said the catcher remains “a go-to guy for our team” despite his lackluster performance.
“I know he believes in me and I believe in myself,” Alvarez said. “That's the most important thing. I believe in my abilities.”
And president of baseball operations David Stearns also endorsed Alvarez on Tuesday.
“Every player goes through this, but the younger players definitely go through this,” Stearns said. [Alvarez] “When you look at his first season in the big leagues and how he's performed this time of year, it's easy to forget how young this guy is and how much we've asked of him as a team over the last year.”
Stearns noted Alvarez has been working on his defensive game, and he will be tasked with getting the most out of a pitching staff that is overperforming.
“What he does as a catcher, how much attention and focus he gives to the pitcher and the leadership he provides,” Stearns said. “That's tough for a young guy to have. I think he's handled most of it really well. There's going to be ups and downs and right now he's in a down period. We have a lot of confidence in him.” [Alvarez] We will come out of this situation this year and for years to come.”
Stearns added that the team needs to be “careful” not to ask too much of Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Alvarez said he's tried not to let it affect other parts of his game.
“I always try to stay positive. [well]”I'm trying to be a good teammate, not to show my frustration. It's a tough time for me, but I'm doing my best everywhere,” Alvarez said.
