It might be possible that second half Austin RileyTM has arrived. Maybe we should ask Fernando Cruz.
It might be possible. The man was left for dead in the first half, only sporting a .207/.288/.329, a 73 wRC+, and 9 home runs in 385 plate appearances. It wasn't just the top-line numbers. He was genuinely lost at the plate. It appeared to be largely an approach with him. His bat speed is in the 92nd percentile.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
We don't recognize that guy any more. Since the All-Star Break (not counting last night), Austin is on a .290/.333/.522 tear with a 131 wRC+ and four home runs. The fifth was pretty huge last night, until the ugliness occurred.
I owe you guys a deep dive but it's after midnight. I will show you know one thing that I have noticed lately. Austin is pulling non-fastballs now. I don't know if this is an approach thing or he's seeing the ball better or what exactly. But it's definitely a trend. Might want to add another data point well into the Yankee Stadium left field bleachers.

#possible #left #home #approach