The Boston Red Sox are looking to shake off their recent struggles, but they'll have to do so without Connor Wong in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros. Wong, who has been catching a lot lately, will get a rest after making five consecutive starts, three behind the plate and two as the designated hitter. This move comes at a time when Wong has been struggling at the plate.
Entering Monday, Wong was hitting .258 with only five extra-base hits and a .641 OPS in 63 August plate appearances. He had struck out 21 times during that period while walking just once. Dating back to July 2, a span of 38 games, Wong owns a .232 average and .649 OPS. These numbers are far from the hot start he had in June (.327, .856), but the Red Sox remain confident in his ability to bounce back.
Despite Wong's recent struggles, the Red Sox have been pleased with his at-bats and consider his overall season — during which he has hit .289 with 11 homers, 14 doubles and a .775 OPS — as a success. Manager Alex Cora has expressed confidence in Wong, highlighting his contributions to the team. “You look at the numbers and he has been solid,” said Cora. “It’s a good player who has been playing a lot of games. You look at the season overall, did you expect that? Probably not. The guy has been good. He’s been good for us.”
The Red Sox are looking to give Wong a breather, hoping that it will help him regain his form. This decision, however, raises questions about Wong's role with the team. While his overall season has been good, his recent struggles at the plate have been concerning. It remains to be seen whether this break will be enough to help him rediscover his swing. The Red Sox will be hoping that Wong can quickly get back on track and continue to be a valuable contributor to the team.
Wong's Struggles: A Closer Look
Wong's recent struggles haven't gone unnoticed, but they don't appear to be a cause for major concern yet. The Red Sox remain confident in his abilities and see his recent dip in performance as a temporary blip.
Understanding the Context
It's important to consider the context of Wong's struggles. His .236/.277/.387 slash line and 29.5 percent strikeout rate in the second half of the season are definitely concerning. However, he's been a key contributor for the Red Sox all season, and his overall numbers are still respectable.
Seeking a Solution
The Red Sox are likely hoping that a few days of rest will help Wong refresh and recharge. They may also implement some changes to his batting approach, possibly working with him to address specific weaknesses.
Moving Forward
While Wong's recent struggles are a cause for concern, it's too early to panic. He's still a young player with a lot of potential, and the Red Sox are confident in his ability to turn things around. The team will be monitoring his progress closely and providing him with the support he needs to regain his form.
What's Next for Wong
Wong's absence from the lineup on Tuesday is a clear indication that the Red Sox are taking his struggles seriously. However, it's not necessarily a sign of panic. They're simply giving him a chance to rest and recharge. It's likely that Wong will be back in the lineup soon, and the Red Sox will be hoping that he can use this break to get back on track.
The Red Sox are a team with high aspirations, and they need all their players to be performing at their best. Wong has been a valuable contributor for them all season, and they're confident he can continue to be so. They're simply giving him the support he needs to get through a tough patch. It's a sign of their commitment to his development and their belief in his future.
