The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million deal, but his start with the team has been uneven. Despite this, Conforto has demonstrated promising improvements recently, batting .318/.348/.500 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs over his last eight games since July 11. These numbers indicate that the veteran outfielder’s Michael Conforto Dodgers turnaround might be gaining momentum.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers face pressure to consider acquiring another left fielder. However, the team prefers to evaluate Conforto’s performance over the coming week before deciding on potential roster changes.
Manager Dave Roberts Expresses Confidence in Conforto
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has continued to give Conforto playing time, signaling faith in his ability to rebound. Roberts commented on Conforto’s recent struggles to consistently hit balls hard but emphasized his confidence in the player’s talent and potential.
“Yeah, Michael is interesting, because when he does hit the ball hard, it seems like it’s right at somebody,”
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
“I’m just going to keep running him out there and expect him to be productive, and I hope that’s where his head is at. But for me, it’s kind of the guys that we have and show confidence. And I believe in Michael. I’ve had many times to sit him, but I play him, and I think that it’s still in there.”
—Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
Roberts’ commitment stems from Conforto’s strong track record and his offseason efforts to refine his hitting approach. The outfielder has focused on improving his discipline and bat path, seeking to overcome the difficulty he has faced with fastballs early in the season.
Dodgers Weigh Trade Options, But Favor Patience
While Roberts acknowledges the possibility of adding another outfielder before the trade deadline, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has suggested such a move is unlikely at this time. The organization remains ready to act if it sees a clear benefit but appears willing to wait on Conforto’s continued progress.
Conforto’s solid plate discipline and ability to consistently hit the ball hard when making contact make his potential rebound an important factor for the Dodgers’ depth and lineup strategy moving forward.
Outlook for Conforto and Dodgers’ Roster Decisions
As the deadline nears, how Conforto performs in the next week will be crucial in shaping the Dodgers’ decisions. His turnaround could solidify his role as a key contributor, offering stability to the lineup and possibly reducing the need for further trades. Roberts’ faith in Conforto underscores a hopeful outlook, as the team balances patience with a readiness to adapt if necessary.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How good was Michael Conforto in 2017?
A. In the 2017 season, Conforto achieved a batting average of .279, an on-base percentage of .384, and a slugging percentage of .555. He hit 27 home runs and earned 68 RBIs in 373 times at bat.
Q. Was Michael conforto an all-star?
A. Conforto has been in the league for a while and has displayed remarkable talent, even becoming an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2017.
Q. Is Michael conforto a good outfielder?
A. This season, Michael Conforto has been the main left fielder for the Dodgers. He joined the team on a one-year contract worth $17 million. His defense in the outfield has been strong, but his batting performance has been very poor, even with his recent improvement.