Dodgers News: James Outman Reveals Biggest Help for Him This Season

James Outman doesn't play like a rookie.

His confidence at the plate has led him to a starting spot in the outfield for one of the most talented teams in baseball.

In August, Outman is batting at a .344 average with a 1.105 OPS, adding 2 home runs. He has a better OPS than Gunnar Henderson, the odds-on favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year award and has performed much better at the plate than NL Rookie of the Year favorite Corbin Carroll lately.

The young outfielder has often talked about the impact that playing alongside some of the best hitters in the game, such as Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, has had on him.

in an interview after Saturday's win over the Colorado Rockies, Outman again spoke highly of the mentors he has in the Dodgers organization.

"I think my teammates just picking me up when things don't go well," Outman said. "If I don't get the job done, they will. They're good teammates and it shows and I thin we've got a pretty good team."

(Via

SportsNet LA

)

With an 8.5 game lead in the NL West, the Dodgers have in fact been "pretty good." Some of those veteran hitters are having career years themselves.

Betts has hit 31 homers, just four shy of his total of 35 last season in 32 fewer games. His .967 OPS would be the second-highest in his career besides his MVP-caliber season in 2018 with the Red Sox.

Freeman is arguably having the best year of his career, hitting .342/.419/.593 and 23 home runs. If it weren't for Ronald Acuna Jr. running away with the NL MVP, Freeman would be a heavy favorite himself.

The transition to the big leagues hasn't been easy for Outman. In May, he hit just .165 and only two home runs in 26 games. He said that learning to be calm during his at-bats has made all the difference.

"I think just relaxing at the plate," Outman said. "Kind of going back to my plan and sticking to it. It helps when we're winning."

(Via

SportsNet LA

)

Outman and the Dodgers will being a series against the Milwaukee Brewers upon the conclusion of their four-game contest against the Rockies.