Indians' Yan Gomes: Impressing manager with bat
Gomes' recent approach at the plate has impressed manager Terry Francona, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.
The backstop has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, and he's far removed from the Silver Slugger Award he captured in 2014. However, Gomes has continued to play well when healthy behind the dish, affording himself steady at-bats. After a terrible offensive start to his sixth MLB season, the 29-year-old's bat is beginning to shows signs of life: Gomes is slashing .353/.463/.471 over his last 13 games. "No. 1, he's using the whole field," manager Terry Francona said. "He's shot some balls to right field, which is always a good sign. When you hit the ball hard the other way, you've got to be on balance. No. 2, I think he's been on time (with his swing) more and he's pulled some balls through the hole. I think with some confidence, you'll start to see some better swings." Gomes opened the season best suited for AL-only leagues, but his recent efforts make him worthy of a roster spot in some mixed formats as well.
