Christian Arroyo is locked in at the plate and seeing his perseverance pay off

Photo Credit: AP Photo

For Christian Arroyo, the expectations were high entering the 2023 campaign. The former first-round pick was expected to see an increase in playing time after the Red Sox infield underwent significant changes in the offseason. After a slow start, he is now healthy and on fire at the plate.

In his last 15 games, the Tampa native is hitting .294 with eight runs batted in. He has 13 hits in June, his second-highest total in a month this season. While Arroyo only has three home runs and 17 RBI through 121 at-bats, he made headlines on Tuesday night when he put the Red Sox offense on his back.

Against the Twins, Arroyo had five hits and drove in four runs. Two of his hits went for extra bases, including a home run that Twins outfielders could only admire the second it left his bat. He followed that up with a two-hit performance on Wednesday night and finished with 11 total bases in 24 hours.

Due to his recent play, Arroyo has seen his batting average rise to .264 after he entered June, hitting .257. That increase was also aided by the fact that the former 25th overall pick is hitting .299 in his last 30 games. While he has been a hits machine, Arroyo is providing the Red Sox with solid defense.

In 293.1 innings in the field this season, the 28-year-old has only committed one error and turned 27 double plays. His versatility has been a weapon as Arroyo has appeared at second, short, and third base. Most of his play has come at second, but his ability to play multiple positions is invaluable, especially on a Red Sox team that has dealt with injuries all season.

While Arroyo has battled his health issues, he makes a difference every time he steps on the field. His ability to get on base and hit for power makes him a valuable addition to this offense. He already has ten doubles this season, only six short of matching his career high. Keeping him on the field for the second half will be critical as the Red Sox make their playoff push.

Over the next few months, Arroyo will be a player to watch. He is finally locked in at the plate and showing why the Red Sox believed he could handle a bigger role in spring training.

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