We’re going to dig out of this together and he gives us the best chance to do that.”
The manager acknowledged that the current lineup configuration differs significantly from how the organization operated its roster over the past couple of seasons.
“We’re playing pretty much the same nine or 10 guys with a couple of bench players, which is different than how we’ve been able to do it the last couple of years,” said Hinch.
“It’s no secret that we are not in a great place on multiple fronts and we’re trying to work through it.”
Pitchers Adjusting to McGonigle’s Approach
Despite his early-season success, analytics from blessyouboys.
com indicate that Major League pitchers have begun adjusting to McGonigle's “lift and pull” hitting approach by throwing more fastballs high and away in the zone during May.
The shift has caused McGonigle's May ground ball rate to spike from 27.3% to 36.6% and his infield fly rate to rise to 16.7%, though his overall season metrics remain strong with 49 hits in his first 45 games and an eight-year, $150-million contract extension securing his future in Detroit.
Hinch remains impressed by the young player's overall maturity and daily readiness under extreme external attention and defensive shifts between shortstop and third base.
“He’s never talked to you guys (in the media) like he is,” said Hinch. “He’s never had this kind of attention off the field.
There’s been so much thrown at him, and he’s ready to play every day, and the results on the field are obviously easy to love.”
