Per NESN.com, Daniel Nava will attempt to abandon his switch hitting roots in 2015, and begin hitting exclusively from the left side of the plate, at least for the time being.
The 32-year old outfielder was demoted to AAA Pawtucket on April 23 last season, after hitting just .149/.166/.269 in his first 23 games, with only four extra-base hits and three runs batted in.
“I struggled from the right side last year, and being that I wasn’t getting consistent at-bats, it’s worth a shot because maybe it’ll allow me to get some more at-bats,” said Nava at JetBlue Park on Saturday.
“My swing is still the same. It’s more or less the setups so that I can see the ball better,” stated Nava. “From the right side, you’ve got both of your eyes. But from the left, from what I’ve seen, it’s just a little more challenging.
“The swing is still the same, and my approach is still the same, as well. So hopefully with the approach, it’ll give me a little bit easier of a transition.”
The move should hardly surprise anyone, as Nava is much better against batting left-handed against RHP (.293/.385/.428) than batting right-handed against LHP (.209/.287/.298).
Nava’s 2014 numbers were even worse, when he posted a .159/.209/.190 line with only two extra base hits, while batting right-handed against lefties. He also struck out 18 times compared to only four walks.
Nava rebounded nicely after his promotion back to the big leagues in June, however, hitting .310/.381/.394 over the last four months of the season including 21 extra base hits and 34 runs batted in.
In his career, Nava is a .273/.362/.398 hitter in 1,249 career at-bats over four seasons, including 85 doubles, 23 home runs, 162 RBIs and 140 walks. His best season came in 2013, where he owned a .303/.385/.445 line good for a .831 OPS to go with 12 home runs and 66 RBIs in 458 at-bats for the eventual World Series champions.
Forrest Mulheron is a Boston Red Sox/MLB Correspondent for Baseball Essential
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