Mets’ Francisco Lindor credits work and newborn daughter to consistent hits

[ad_1]

HOUSTON — Francisco Lindor has been making adjustments with his swing “every single day,” he said.

He credited hitting coach Jeremy Barnes and teammates who relay what they see from opposing pitchers at the plate.

There are all sorts of possible explanations for the Mets shortstop’s suddenly sizzling bat, but the most fun one he offered with a smile.

“Amapola has brought me a couple of hits,” Lindor said Monday, referring to his daughter who was born two days earlier.

Since Amapola Chloé entered the world, her father is 3-for-8 with two home runs after a massive night in the 11-1, series-opening victory over the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Lindor homered on Father’s Day on Sunday and followed it up a day later with five runs batted in — including a three-run dinger in the third inning that essentially put the game out of reach — and has begun to look like the star who received MVP votes last season.


Francisco Lindor celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning.
Francisco Lindor celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning.
AP

Francisco Lindo
Francisco Lindo
Getty Images

Before his second daughter’s birth, Lindor had been hitting .143 (7-for-49) in his previous 14 games, his OPS falling to .700.

After a third-inning home run against Hunter Brown and a two-run double in the ninth inning off Shawn Dubin, his OPS is back up to .731.

“It’s a product of the work,” Lindor said. “I’ve been working as hard as I can.”

Especially from the left side.

The switch hitter has been fine from the right side, against opposing lefties (.911 OPS), but entered play Monday with just a .632 OPS as a lefty hitter.

His splits for his career have been about even, so the slant raised eyebrows and prompted him to continue to tinker with his lefty swing.

“I got a couple hits from the left side, so it’s a good night for me,” said Lindor, who has not taken a night off this season.

Even after Amapola was born, Lindor found his way to the ballpark and pinch hit in Saturday’s ninth inning.

He has found a way to play in all 72 of the Mets’ games this season, especially significant because the Mets have lacked a backup shortstop for much of the year.

His swing is changing, and so is his life. But according to Buck Showalter, little has changed outwardly about his shortstop.

“He always plays with energy,” the Mets manager said after a rare game with little stress. “It’s the same personality every day.”

[ad_2]

Source link