Henderson: Justin Upton could be 'great source' for runs
Justin Upton has been turning heads as of late, and Colin Henderson highlights that managers should roll with Upton while he's hot.
Video Transcript
COLIN HENDERSON: Angels outfielder Justin Upton is on a tear right now. Since moving to the leadoff spot in the LA lineup 12 games ago, he's hitting .333, with four doubles and five home runs, to go along with 11 RBIs, 12 runs scored, and seven walks. This heater has improved his season's slugline to 225, 310, 486, with 13 homers, 28 RBIs, 27 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 197 plate appearances.
The former number one overall pick back in 2005 is a streaky a hitter as there is around the majors, thanks to his penchant of racking up strikeouts in bunches. But excluding batting average, where he will never help you out consistently, the rest of his game has really shined through the season. He's in the top 10% of the league in average exit velocity, barrel percentage, and hard hit percentage. And is above average in expected slugging, sprint speed, and walk percentage.
While his days of averaging 30 homers and 90 RBIs with a 260 batting average, like he did from 2013 to 2018, may be in the rear view mirror. But the 33-year-old outfielder is showing he still has the pop to come close to those power numbers.
Seemingly locked into the leadoff spot, he may not drive in as many runs. Though with hitters like Ohtani, Walsh, Rendon, and eventually Trout hitting behind him, Upton could be a great source of runs scored if he can remain there. Be prepared for a cold streak to come in the near future, but managers should run out to grab Upton now and ride his wave until further notice.