Entering Monday against the Braves, Diamondbacks' cleanup hitters combined to hit .214 and post a .307 slugging percentage through 38 games. With No. 3 hitter Paul Goldschmidt putting up impressive numbers, it could lead more teams to pitch around the young slugger.
However, manager Kirk Gibson cautions opposing teams from doing that because Goldschmidt can not only get it done at the plate, but he has deceptive speed on the base paths.
"If they’re going to pitch around him, then one good thing about having Goldy up -- his running game’s pretty good, too," Gibson said, per The Arizona Republic. "So if they’re going to do that, then they might have to deal with him in a different regard."
Goldschmidt, who finally got his first day off Sunday, slugged his 10th home run Monday and is batting .378 (14 for 37) with five home runs and 13 RBI in 12 May games.
"Obviously, he’s a great player and a really tough out," outfielder Cody Ross said. "A lot of times, pitchers are going to pitch around him, so there definitely needs to be some protection coming out of the fourth hole."