Dodgers News: Kolten Wong Trying to Emulate Freddie Freeman’s Approach to Hitting
Kolten Wong is off to a good start in Los Angeles.
Since being acquired by the Dodgers last month, the second baseman has played in 16 games for LA — primarily off the bench — and has had 24 at-bats over that time. It’s a small sample size, but Wong’s done well when given his opportunity, slashing .250/.321/.500 with two home runs and eight RBI. It’s a marked difference from his stint with the Seattle Mariners earlier this season, where he hit just .165/.241/.227 over 67 games, and Wong could even make the postseason roster at the rate he’s been producing.
Wong has one of the best role models possible with the Dodgers in All-Star Freddie Freeman, and Wong’s done his best to emulate Freeman’s approach at the plate — to great success so far.
“Just trying not to do too much,” Wong said. “Obviously, I understand that putting the ball in play is always big. One of the best hitters probably ever, Freddie Freeman, you watch him play and it’s like he just puts the ball in play every single time. And you got to learn from that, understand that that’s kind of the way to go, and Freddie always talks about it too so I’m just trying to buy in with him.”
via SportsNet LA
Wong’s done well when called upon to provide depth in the middle of the Dodgers’ infield, and that’s arguably been a surprise given his release by the Mariners and the fact that he was sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City soon after being acquired instead of Los Angeles.
In any case, the Dodgers are surely glad to have him filling up a hole in an area of need with the playoffs just around the corner.
LA’s infield was one of their weaknesses before the trade deadline and the acquisition of Wong roughly a week later shored up the issue, and the Dodgers are now looking very much like National League contenders.
Los Angeles has the second-best record in the NL behind the Atlanta Braves, and between a deep lineup and solid pitching staff, they could be in the mix for a World Series title this October.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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