Mets' A.J. Ewing records first career four-hit game as rookie becomes more comfortable at plate
· Yahoo Sports
A.J. Ewing is one of the bright spots for the Mets this season, and Tuesday night against the Royals showed exactly why.
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The rookie outfielder went 4-for-4 -- his first four-hit game -- including a two-run shot and a career-high three RBI. It was an overall impressive game for Ewing, who has picked it up offensively recently.
Over his last 22 games, since June 14, Ewing has a .311/.400/.568 slashline with five home runs, four doubles, 16 RBI, 12 runs and a .968 OPS.
"I feel comfortable in the box right now. That’s pretty much it," Ewing said after Tuesday's game. "When I say comfortable in the box, I mean it. I’m relaxed."
When asked specifically about his growing power numbers, five of his six home runs this year have come in the last month, Ewing reiterated his comfort at the plate, but emphasized that he's not intentionally going for the long ball.
"That's not really something I'm pushing for," he said. "It's more just line drive stuff, but the fact that I'm getting the ball in the air to the pull side, it's cool."
Tuesday was also the third time Ewing batted leadoff with the big league club. Although the series opener with the Royals was the first time he picked up a hit in that spot, the outfielder is accustomed to it. In 33 games batting leadoff with Syracuse before his call-up, Ewing slashed .342/.448/.525 with a .973 OPS.
Through 52 games, Ewing's OBP (.359) is ranked ninth among rookies and his 22 walks are 13th. Should be noted that only one rookie, the Giants' Bryce Eldridge, has more walks in fewer games, with the majority of the players ahead of Ewing having already played in at least 60 games.
Ewing was asked how his skillset fits with batting leadoff, and the 21-year-old gave a concise response.
"Naturally, I see a lot pitches," he said. "That's going to suit me well in that spot."
The Royals have right-hander Steven Cruz scheduled to start Wednesday's game as the opener. There's a good chance we'll see Ewing hitting leadoff and whether he can continue to use his particular skillset as the Mets' table-setter.