After incomes a roster spot due to his strong spring training , Los Angeles Dodgers rookie James Outman has been very important to the group’s success and has made a robust early case for Nationwide League Rookie of the 12 months.
Outman showcased his expertise once more Thursday night time towards the Chicago Cubs, hitting two dwelling runs that gave the Dodgers the lead, together with a go-ahead grand slam within the ninth inning to present the Dodgers the lead and the eventual 6-2 win.
It was the primary grand slam and a multi-homer recreation of Outman’s profession.
“I undoubtedly suppose that was the largest scenario of my profession to this point. It was actually cool,” Outman said. “To be sincere, simply feelings took over. They have been fired up. I used to be fired up. We have been all fired up collectively.”
Per the in-depth and sometimes area of interest web page, OptaSTATS, Outman is the second participant in MLB regular-season historical past to hit a ninth-inning grand slam on the highway for his second go-ahead homer of the sport, with the primary being Babe Ruth.
Not solely did Outman carry out with the bat, however his protection shined as properly. Within the backside of the fourth inning with Trey Mancini making an attempt to attain the go-ahead run for the Cubs, Outman delivered a strike to catcher Austin Barnes, conserving the sport tied 2-2.
Outman’s 5 dwelling runs on the season is the second most on the group solely behind Max Muncy and tied for second amongst all qualified rookies.
“I can’t say sufficient about him,” stated Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts. “Simply to get his ft moist final 12 months and he simply retains getting higher, which is horrifying. The at-bat high quality and the second by no means will get too huge for him.”
Outman does lead rookies in different classes, nevertheless. His .645 slugging proportion and 1.042 OPS is the very best amongst all certified rookies. His 0.9 fWAR, .413 xwOBA, and 157 wRC+ all lead rookies as properly.
It’s method too early to foretell, however Outman’s sturdy first few weeks of the season have undoubtedly put him as a frontrunner to be the Dodger’s nineteenth rookie of the 12 months.
