The Los Angeles issued a statement by cutting backing up backup catcher Austin Burns and utility man Christaylor (the two longest players) over a week. The departure of such a respected veteran was focused on the winning, and there was no room for sentiment.
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But Max Muncie and Michael Comfort, who have struggled for most of the season, are nowhere to go. The could support the first third baseman and the left fielder, according to general manager Brandon Gomez.
“I think both are in a good position to continue returning to their historic performance,” Gomez told MLB Network’s Jim Bowden on Sirius XM. “Mance was actually pretty good last month or so. Michael was crushing hard in his cage and hit a lot of balls hard for the outs. I’m sure it’s a blessing to see Diamondback go.
“I think they both are trending well. Our expectations are that they’ll be a staple in the lineup for the rest of the season.”
Muncie has hit .210 on four home runs and has 24 runs. Muncie’s WRC+ is below league average. He has shown improvements in the last few weeks, but he is far from a power hitter fan who knows he is at this point in the season.
Conforto’s numbers have deteriorated significantly. The $17 million offseason addition reaches .175 with three home runs and eight RBIs. Conforto’s WRC+ 81 is well below the league average and will be much lower in his career.
The outfielder doesn’t seem anywhere near the corner, but Gomez insists that Comfort will soon return to his best form.
“I think Michael is in a great place,” Gomez told Borden. “He’s trying to keep getting those opportunities. We’re totally hoping he’ll return from this point on, especially right-handed pitching, historically. That’s not what we’re seeing right now.”
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Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Immagn Image
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