Nick Yorke's power outage
Leaving play on June 10th, Nick Yorke’s slugging percentage sat at .511. In just over a month, that percentage has taken a near .70 dip. Most of the second basemans numbers have taken a decline after a monster start to the season, though the slugging is the one that sticks out the most.
The power was not meant to be a carrying tool for Yorke. According to MLB Pipeline, his hit tool is his highest grade at 55. Also receiving a 50-grade power, that may be seen as a bit bullish on the 21-year-old’s power potential. Since that June 10th date, Yorke boasts just a .333 slugging percentage. Also in that time posting just a .252 on-base percentage with 36 strikeouts and just 4 walks, it’s been a slump over these 115 plate appearances.
Despite the slump, Yorke still boasts a still strong season overall. Slashing .271/.353/.442 with a 117 WRC+, it’s a very respectable display for the former Red Sox first round draft pick. Any baseball fan understands there’s ebs and flows to a baseball season and this could simply just be one of the downticking times.
Also interesting to note, according to baseball reference, Nick Yorke has had just 2 at bats against pitchers who are younger than him this entire season. This should only further provide solice in this small slide. While it takes pitching longer to develop than hitting, it is still important to recognize that Yorke is still young for the AA level.
There’s certainly no reason to panick over his recent lack of power, though it is important to recognize his slugging numbers are propped up by an early breakout in power. Getting an off-day on Wednesday, hopefully Yorke can use it as a reset and come back slugging.
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