The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Michael Conforto this winter for $17 million, valuing his offensive potential and accepting the resulting outfield alignment. However, Conforto’s performance has not met expectations. According to Fabian Ardaya, entering Sunday, his wRC+ (63) was among the lowest for outfielders with at least 100 plate appearances, and his batted ball metrics are down from the previous year. Conforto acknowledged his recent struggles last week, stating, “It’s been a little bit of a grind the past couple weeks… But like I said, I have faith in my ability. I know the hits are coming. I know the hot streak’s coming.”
Despite an initial strong start (8-for-26 with two home runs and four doubles in his first eight games), Conforto’s production has declined significantly. He has recorded as many double plays as hits in the subsequent period (six). The Dodgers have continued to play him, a patience they can afford given their overall roster strength.
Los Angeles Dodgers Considering Benching Michael Conforto
Manager Dave Roberts has also noted that Conforto appears to be pressing. The pressure of a “reset” year, aimed at rebuilding his performance while contributing to a contending team, may be contributing to his struggles. “It’s the mental (side) trying too hard,” Roberts said. “Then it’s the pitch selection because of the anxiousness, and that causes some mechanical flaws. I think he’s a little around the baseball. I think he’s a little uphill. When you’re up and around, those make a bad combo. He’s working through it. The work is good. I trust him as a player. I do.”
Conforto’s struggles continued on Sunday, with two more strikeouts, both looking. In the fifth inning, Atlanta starter Bryce Elder dominated him with consecutive fastballs. In a two-run game in the seventh, Roberts opted to pinch-hit Miguel Rojas for Conforto, a decision that proved successful as Rojas hit a home run. “I just felt that we needed a spark,” Roberts said. “I just felt that Miggy had a better chance in that moment. I didn’t come into the season expecting to hit for Michael very often. But I just think right now that’s where he’s at.”
Conforto’s OPS has now fallen to .528, and he is currently hitless in his last 29 at-bats. Roberts is considering giving him a day off to reset. “I have thought about it,” Roberts said. “I know he’s grinding right now. We’ll see. It’s our job to find a way for him to get his footing and get him back to being the player he’s been in his career.”