Masataka Yoshida remains red hot at the plate, will face ‘favorite player’ Bryce Harper
After starting the season struggling to string consistent at-bats together, Masataka Yoshida has been red hot at the plate.
The Japanese superstar improved his major league leading hitting streak to 14 games in the Thursday night win over the Blue Jays. Yoshida went 3-for-5, with three runs scored, hitting his sixth home run and drove in three RBIs.
He’s now hitting .317 with a .400 on-base percentage and .948 OPS.
Yoshida’s hitting streak began during the final home game of the Twins series. He collected two hits and that game started his impressive run at the plate.
During the Brewers series, Yoshida consulted with his coaches and he changed his batting stance. He opened up his stance, which has allowed him to see the ball coming from the pitcher better.
“I can pick out the balls that I should swing at, so I think that’s why I’m doing well,” said Yoshida said to MLB.com. “I'm focused on my batting form, especially my stance. So, stance-wise, I'm stepping with my right foot back a little bit. Then, it makes me more comfortable to see the ball. I haven’t changed anything swing-wise.”
Yoshida will now take his hitting streak to Philadelphia for a three game series against the Phillies.
The 29-year-old will also face off against his “favorite player” Bryce Harper.
“He makes it exciting. His play style is also really great and aggressive, so that is why,” said Yoshida to MassLive’s Christopher Smith.
“I’m really excited to see him playing in the stadium. When I was in Japan, it was impossible to see his play. Yeah. I’m so excited,” Yoshida added.
Harper is back with the Phillies following recovery from offseason Tommy John surgery.
“I’m really honored to play against him,” Yoshida said through interpreter Keiichiro Wakabayashi to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. “Also I’ve heard that surgery usually takes a year to come back to play, but he’s come back to play much quicker than usual. I’ve experienced some injuries, so I know it’s a lot of work to come back, so that part I really respect.”
Yoshida will look to stay sizzling at the plate versus the Phillies and extend his league leading hitting streak.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
