Red Sox Journal: Betts still looking to solve his hitting woes

NEW YORK — What’s wrong with Mookie Betts?

The reigning American League Most Valuable Player might well be a victim of the lofty standards he set last season. Betts totaled six extra-base hits and 14 strikeouts through 18 games entering Wednesday’s matchup with the Yankees. The right fielder sprinted out of the blocks through 18 games last season, piling up 14 extra-base hits against just eight strikeouts.

“Just trying to make some [...]

NEW YORK — What’s wrong with Mookie Betts?

The reigning American League Most Valuable Player might well be a victim of the lofty standards he set last season. Betts totaled six extra-base hits and 14 strikeouts through 18 games entering Wednesday’s matchup with the Yankees. The right fielder sprinted out of the blocks through 18 games last season, piling up 14 extra-base hits against just eight strikeouts.

“Just trying to make some adjustments obviously,” Betts said following his 0-for-3 performance on Tuesday. “I haven’t played very well. Trying to make adjustments pitch by pitch and make something happen.”

“He’s just searching,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday. “He actually took some good swings yesterday. He just fouled them off.”

Betts was back in the leadoff spot on Wednesday with Andrew Benintendi (right foot contusion) still ailing and out of the lineup. Their flip-flop at the top of the Red Sox order raised more than a few eyebrows this offseason after Betts put together a virtuoso 2018 at the plate.

“I don’t think it’s the order,” Cora said. “Leading off, hitting second, hitting third — it doesn’t matter. I think it’s just him trying to find his swing, and I do think he’s getting closer.”

Betts is walking less and striking out more to begin 2019. His walk rate has dipped from 13.2 percent to 12.8 percent, and his strikeout rate has increased from 14.8 percent to 17.9 percent. Betts has also been less fortunate when he ventures outside the strike zone, making contact 5.3 percent less frequently.

“I just think right now he’s off a little bit,” Cora said. “He’s missing his pitch. He’s fouling off too many pitches. He’s falling behind in counts. They’re pitching to the edges. They’re expanding. It’s all that stuff going on right now.

“With those special guys, one swing might get them. One swing in the cage or one swing in BP or one swing in the game and they take off. Hopefully that can happen.”

Friday return?

Benintendi (right foot contusion) was out of the lineup due to injury for what the Red Sox hope will be the final time Wednesday night.

The left fielder went through a full pregame workout and is expected to return Friday when Boston opens its weekend series at Tampa Bay. Benintendi has been idle since fouling a ball off his instep Saturday against the Orioles.

“If everything goes well he should be back on Friday,” Cora said. “We still can use him tonight. I think the two more days will benefit him.”

J.D. Martinez made his second straight start in left field. That follows a start in left by Steve Pearce in Monday’s traditional Patriots’ Day matinee. To say that Benintendi’s defense would be a significant upgrade over Martinez and Pearce would be rather kind indeed.

Pedroia leaves early

Dustin Pedroia’s return to the lineup Wednesday lasted less than two innings.

Pedroia popped to shallow right field in the top of the second and was replaced in the field by Eduardo Nunez. Boston announced Pedroia was removed due to left knee discomfort, the same issue that caused him to miss all but three games of the 2018 season.

Nunez has been battling back tightness and went 0-for-3 in Tuesday’s 8-0 loss to the Yankees. His 2-for-4 outing in Friday’s 6-4 victory over Baltimore represents the entirety of his offensive production over his last six games. Nunez was 0-for-10 with four strikeouts otherwise.

“Trying to give him two days and then we’ll see what happens in Tampa,” Cora said. “He’s been grinding physically.”

Pedroia was given the day off on Tuesday after starting three straight games against the Orioles. He served as the designated hitter in each of the last two, marking just the 12th and 13th time in his 1,511 career games he’s been employed in such a fashion.

Price frustrated

The Red Sox wore No. 42 jerseys for the second straight night on Tuesday, something that didn’t sit well with David Price.

The Yankees had a day off on Monday while Boston celebrated Jackie Robinson Day during a home contest with Baltimore. New York was one of 10 teams not to play until Tuesday, honoring Robinson and his historic breaking of the color barrier in April 1947.

“Everyone plays on that day next year, deal?” Price tweeted in part. “No one should have an off day, let alone 10 teams!”

“Just reading it and thinking about it, it makes sense to play that day,” Cora said. “Everybody plays. The league will take a look at it.

“He’s right about this, and maybe the league will make an adjustment. It’s a special day for everybody. I think in my opinion, yes, he is right about that.”

— bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25