Christin Stewart Takes Coaches by Surprise
After adding 104 games under his belt last season, Tigers' left fielder Christin Stewart came into 2020 with extra swagger to his step.
During game 2 of the Cleveland series, the Atlanta native showed off his new cannon for an arm by retiring Domingo Santana at second base after an excellent read off the left-field wall. Manager Ron Gardenhire speaks very highly of Stewart's improvement since his MLB debut.
"He had a lot more life in his body in spring training. Clarky's been working with this young man and all the outfielders every day on those plays and hitting the cut man," he said.
"He's been working really hard on it. He's made himself a better outfielder; it was really fun to see him make the perfect throw to second base."
The left fielder, who always proves his solid defense for the Tigers boasting a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage in 13 starts, admits there's an upswing in his confidence this season.
"I started being a little more confident in my ability, and why I do well and started being a little more aggressive out there and try to make great plays, you know. Kinda like what I did yesterday."
Arm strength plays a significant role in his success; Stewart expands on his offseason endeavors, strengthening his shoulders using heavy balls and a variety of mobility enhancing techniques. Paired with improved footwork courtesy of outfield instructor Dave Clarke, the assertive Tiger is a force to be reckoned with.
However, as enhanced as his defensive tools are, there's been a downfall of productivity from the batter's box. In the University of Tennesse alum's last 40 plate appearances, his batting average is only .200, translating to 8 hits, two of those being doubles, and one home run against Kansas City.
Facing a handful of pulls from the plate against left-handed pitching, Stewart doesn't seem phased.
"When my names called, I'm ready to go." He shared. "At the end of the day, we want the win. If my names called to be in there against one, I'm going to do my job."
Stewart's set to bat in the 6th hole for Detroit against the Tribe this Sunday. During the absence of C.J. Cron, before determining his season-ending knee surgery to stabilize his patella, Stewart had a crack at the cleanup spot in the lineup against the Chicago White Sox, where he went 0-3 with a walk.
Hopefully, the Tigers decide to collectively rake at the plate and end their cursed 19 game winless streak against Cleveland, and stay north of their current .500 winning percentage.
