All articles tagged with #hitting
Mired in a rough season with a 5.67 ERA, Miles Mikolas pinch-hit in extra innings for the Washington Nationals, laying down a squeeze bunt to drive in a run and later scoring on a double as Washington beat the Phillies 10-4; the moment stands out as a throwback highlight amid a disappointing year for Mikolas and the club.
Curtis Mead, once a fringe big leaguer, blossomed into a breakout contributor for the Nationals this season, earning Boston's interest and a trade for him after showing a stable, non-tinkering approach. He posted strong numbers (.254/.352/.500 with 17 homers in 87 games) before his Red Sox debut, which was cut short by a left wrist contusion after being hit by a 95 mph fastball.
Atlanta selected Virginia outfielder AJ Gracia with the 9th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, a choice Battery Power views as a premium, fast-tracking prospect who could become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s future. Gracia is praised for elite plate discipline, barrel control, and the ability to hit for average while projecting solid power gains; he handles velocity well and has a strong on-base profile, with potential to climb through the system quickly and reach the majors by 2028. Concerns include a swing that’s a bit stiff, limited big-power upside (not likely to be 35+ homers), and gaps against inner-half pitches and some right-handed sliders, but overall the pick is highly celebrated and seen as the best Braves draftee in the Alex Anthopoulos era.
The Washington Nationals selected DMV-born infield bat Chris Hacopian from Texas A&M with the 11th pick, a pure-hitting profile known for elite contact skills, rare plate discipline and power upside. Local product (Winston Churchill HS/Maryland) with a strong walk-to-strikeout rate, he’s projected as a bat-first contributor who may move to first base if needed, as defense and speed aren’t standout. He hit .319 with a .983 OPS this season, and his zone contact rate (about 92.7%) underscores his contact skills, making him a high-upside add tied to local roots and draft chatter that linked him to the Nats.
Oklahoma rode a 14-hit attack to a 9-3 win over North Carolina in Game 1 of the College World Series finals, with Cord Rager settling after a rough first inning and the Sooners swiping three bases. Key moments included Deiten LaChance’s early two-run homer and a four-run fourth highlighted by Kyle Branch’s two-run single, while Carolina’s offense cooled after the opening frame. Carter French contributed a spectacular outfield catch, Tom Chmielewski provided two scoreless innings, and UNC will attempt to even the series in Game 2.
Andrew Benintendi has finally found his rhythm with the White Sox, hitting .286/.386/.694 with six of his nine homers this season in a 17-game stretch after Munetaka Murakami’s hamstring injury, moving up in the lineup and even delivering a pinch-hit grand slam in The Bronx as Chicago rides a competitive four-series run and a lighter, more confident clubhouse vibe.
Spencer Jones came off the bench to homer twice in a 15-6 loss to the Cubs, reaching six spring homers and showcasing improved at-bats as he heads to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre; New York is still sorting bullpen roles and whether he can make an impact for the big league club this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic and will instead focus on hitting, with the plan reportedly set about a month ago; Ohtani will ramp up his arm in spring training as he prepares for the regular season after his recent injuries, making this year’s WBC a hitters-only appearance for him.
The article analyzes the strategic battle between Mariners pitchers' focus on in-zone dominance and Blue Jays hitters' aggressive swinging approach, highlighting how Mariners' pitching has effectively challenged Toronto's hitters, limiting damage despite the Blue Jays' high swing rate and emphasizing the importance of execution and adjustments in the upcoming game.
Josh Naylor showcased exceptional hitting ability by turning a high, outside pitch into a single, demonstrating his adaptability and skill at the plate, making him a standout player for the Mariners despite his unconventional stats and playing style.
Roman Anthony, a promising Red Sox rookie, has shown exceptional plate discipline and contact skills since his debut, despite modest traditional stats, indicating he is on the verge of a breakout at the MLB level.
The 2025 MLB Draft Combine showcased top prospects with notable performances in pitching velocity, spin rate, exit velocity, and power, highlighting players like Marcos Paz, Nate Snead, and Jayden Stroman, who impressed with their tools and potential for future success.
Shohei Ohtani made a remarkable one-inning return to the mound for the Dodgers, reaching speeds over 100 mph and showcasing his elite two-way talent after nearly two years since his last pitching appearance, highlighting his unique and extraordinary abilities in Major League Baseball.
Shohei Ohtani is set to return as a pitcher for the Dodgers, marking the full realization of his two-way talent, as he prepares to pitch in his first game for the team after recovering from surgery, while continuing his exceptional offensive performance.
Shohei Ohtani's meticulous approach to his hitting preparation has impressed the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are learning firsthand about his relentless thirst for information and attention to detail. As Ohtani gears up for the upcoming season, the Dodgers are respecting his judgment and allowing him to dictate his timeline for readiness, acknowledging the significance of his approach within the context of his status as a two-time MVP and the owner of the richest contract in sports history.