Dodgers News: Rookie of the Year Hopeful Working on Finding More Consistency
The Dodgers have seen plenty of quality rookie players come through the big leagues this season, with a few of them making a real impact. It has helped them stay alive through the season and has put them into a spot as one of the better teams in the league.
One of the biggest impacts has come from rookie outfielder James Outman, who has continued to get better as the year has progressed. He has helped LA stabilize their outfield, and it has been great to see his growth over the year.
“I’ve been working with the coaches and just been trying to get myself into a more consistent spot and thanks to a couple of my teammates, talking about timing and stuff like that," Outman said. "I think other than that, having a good mindset at the plate and being relaxed.”
On the year, Outman is hitting .252 with 23 home runs and 69 runs batted in. It has been a great first year for the young outfielder, and the Dodgers are lucky to have him.
He remains in the running for the National League Rookie of the Year award, although his chances may not be great. But it speaks to just how effective he has been this season. His manager Dave Roberts praised him for his emergence this season, and how he has impacted the team in different ways.
“I can’t say enough about what James has done, from the first month of the season where he sort of came on the scene by surprise, and then hit the skids a little bit, and then recovered in such a good way,” Roberts said. “Defensively playing great, and offensively (he’s) doing a lot of good things.”
With less than a week to go until the postseason begins, Outman will be counted on heavily to produce. He hasn’t stopped working and is trying to find more consistency in his game to help the club out.
The Dodgers outcome this season will likely come down to how guys like Outman perform in the postseason. This is his chance to show what he is made of and come through during the biggest spot for this squad.
