Dodgers Reaction: Andre Ethier Enjoys Resurgence After Reflection
In Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Cubs, Andre Ethier’s two-run single in the eighth inning off left-hander Jon Lester helped the Dodgers secure the series win. Ethier’s hot hitting continued into the Giants series when he hit his 13th home run of the year off Jake Peavy in the series opener at Dodger Stadium on Monday.
Ethier held a National League-best .375 batting average amongst players with at least 50 at-bats in the month of August. The popular veteran has already picked up six more walks than he did all of last season, and he has more than tripled the amount of homeruns he has hit in the same time span.
Pedro Moura, of the OC Register broke down just how productive Andre Ethier has been against right-handed pitching this season:
Andre Ethier vs. RHPs this season: .306/.388/.517. That .905 OPS is 8th in the National League, between Anthony Rizzo and Nolan Arenado.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) September 1, 2015
Even though Ethier’s troubles against left-handed pitching are well documented, he is hitting a team second-best .306 versus right-handed pitching (Justin Turner has hit .319 off right-handed pitching this year). Only Joc Pederson has hit more homeruns (20) off of right-handers this season than Andre Ethier who has hit all 13 of his homers against righties.
The veteran outfielder’s resurgence has not only been one of the best narratives to unfold this season for the Dodgers, but his achievements in his 10th season in Los Angeles have been key to the Dodgers success after significant time lost from Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford. The recent injury to super utility player Kiké Hernandez makes Ethier even more valuable going down the stretch. The 33-year old’s valuable veteran experience has also been that much more important in the second half of the season when rookie Joc Pederson’s struggles displaced him from his starting role in center field.
CONTINUE READING: A Look Back At Andre Ethier’s Career As A Dodger
