Boston Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino will hit right-handed for the remainder of the post-season, reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.
Shane Victorino will hit right-handed for rest of playoffs
Victorino hit left-handed for the first time since Sept. 3 during Game Five of the ALCS.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Victorino is a career switch-hitter, but began hitting nearly exclusively as a right-handed hitter in August when a hamstring injury hampered his swing from the left side.
He had had not hit left-handed since Sept. 3 before his recent attempt against Anibal Sanchez is Game Five of the ALCS. Victorino went 0-for-3 against Sanchez before switching back to the right side of the plate against the Tigers bullpen.
The outfielder discussed his at-bats with Crasnick, telling the reporter:
“I thought I’d give it a try, but it wasn’t what I expected. It just wasn’t there. I saw the ball well, but I just wasn’t comfortable with the swing and the whole approach. I felt as if I was trying to rush to get to everything. It’s hard to change, especially since I hadn’t done it for two months.”
More Red Sox: In another world, David Ortiz is a New York legend
Victorino's plate approach as a right-handed hitter has drawn criticism from Justin Verlander. The pitcher said that Victorino is looking to get hit by a pitch when he comes to bat; he was plunked 15 times after switching to right-handed hitting full-time. Verlander is scheduled to start for Detroit if Game Seven is necessary.
More from SB Nation MLB:
See More:
