Alex Verdugo has been scorching hot at the plate to start the 2023 season
In the first four games of the 2023 campaign, the Red Sox offense has shown that it has the potential to do a lot of damage this year. While the Red Sox have gotten contributions throughout the lineup, Alex Verdugo has been red-hot at the plate. Arizona native has high goals for the 2023 season and is setting the tone from the top of the order.
Through 19 at-bats, Verdugo is hitting .421 with eight hits. Two of those have gone for extra bases, including his first home run of the season on April first. In that span, Verdugo has three multi-hit games. While he has terrorized Orioles and Pirates pitching, he has shown excellent control of the strike zone.
The Red Sox's left fielder has drawn one walk and only struck out twice. He also has 13 total bases, which currently ranks second on the team. From the leadoff spot, he has made pitchers work and put those hitting behind him in a position to drive in runs. While the Red Sox entered the season with mixed expectations, Verdugo is determined to prove the doubters wrong.
Earlier this week, the 26-year-old told reporters, "They want to count us out. They wanted to say we were going to be last in our division. But we don't feel that way. We like our team."
Although the regular season is less than a week old, the Red Sox will need Verdugo to continue his recent play. In 2022 he set career highs in total bases, runs batted in, games played, and doubles. In 2023 he is looking to build on his success from last year and take his game to another level.
With the first four games of the 2023 season in the books, Verdugo has shown that this could be a special year for him. The Red Sox offense has already scored 33 runs, with Verdugo leading the way from the leadoff spot.
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