Angels News: David Fletcher Downplays Years-Long Struggles at the Plate
It wasn't too long ago that David Fletcher was seen as one of the bright young stars of the MLB. In 2019, he batted a very respectable .290, and defensively, it seemed like he could play everywhere on the field.
Since then, he's been struggling to find consistent playing time, and especially this year, he was sent down to the minor leagues to focus on his game amidst a struggle at the plate.
He only played a total of 30 games this year at the major league level.
But if you ask Fletcher, he's not struggling, and it's just all part of the game.
“I think it’s just normal ups and downs of a year,” Fletcher said. “I don’t think anything is different. I just had little stretches where I was a little off and didn’t feel as good at the plate. Nothing more than that.”
via Jeff Fletcher / OC Register
And quite frankly, I don't blame him. His .238 batting average this year might be down from his numbers in the past, so technically you could call it a slump, but there are parts of his game that are actually a bright side.
For instance, in 86 plate appearances this year at the big league level, he's only struck out 9 times. That number in today's day and age should surprise you.
Another thing that may be blocking him from getting consistent playing time is the emergence of Zach Neto and the continued success of Brandon Drury.
We've also seen a little bit of a renaissance from Mike Moustakas since he's been back home in SoCal.
But despite his struggles to get consistent playing time, Fletcher is sure that things will get back to normal, and we'll see the same old David Fletcher that we saw in his first couple of years in the league.
Fletcher said he “definitely” can get back to being the kind of hitter he was in his first three seasons.
Asked what he has to do to get there, he said: “I don’t think I have to do anything. I think it’s there. Just making sure I’m right at the plate and staying consistent with that.”
Jeff Fletcher / OC Register
I hope we see a healthy dose of Fletch back in the lineup next year.
