The Cleveland Guardians needed everybody to step up this season.
Things weren’t going their way, especially at the plate, and it was time to make an adjustment.
That’s why they chose to demote Brayan Rocchio to Triple-A.
The young infielder looked poised for a big season but wasn’t getting the job done on offense.
Now, after being recalled, he’s finally showing what he can do.
While some of that might have to do with some changes at the plate, he admitted that it’s primarily thanks to another aspect of the game.
“The real adjustment I made when I came back up was my mental approach. I made some minor physical tweaks, but I feel the real adjustment was in my mental approach,” Rocchio said. “When I was up here the first time I was trying to get five hits in every at-bat and play at a superstar level on defense. I realized I had to tone it down, adjust and simplify what I wanted to do on the field.”
He’s not the first young player who struggles in the majors, nor will he be the last.
Sometimes, all it takes is some tweaks to get back to basics.
Also, getting to face some lesser competition can do wonders for a player’s confidence.
Baseball is a sport of streaks and rhythm, and getting consistent playing time and at-bats can boost performance.
Rocchio has established himself as the everyday second baseman, but the Guardians might move him back to shortstop when former No. 1 overall pick Travis Bazzana makes his way to the majors.
Regardless of position, Rocchio is proving that he deserves a spot on the roster.
NEXT: Key Guardians Pitcher Is Dealing With An Injury
