Michael Conforto has produced a .190 batting average and an OPS+ of 76 this season, 24 percent below league average. His $17 million salary amplifies concerns about the lack of production as the regular season approaches its final stretch. Manager Dave Roberts has maintained confidence and aimed to relieve pressure by emphasizing process over raw numbers. Conforto batted .273 with a .827 OPS in July and went 3-for-8 with two RBIs in a recent Padres series, helping secure a sweep. A candid conversation focused on fighting for every inch and executing in key, bases-loaded moments.
"I think the gist of it was just getting some more out of me, which is fair," Conforto said. "I expect more out of myself. We talked through a lot of things, but that's the main thing. Just to fight for every inch in those situations. "A lot of times, there'll be bases loaded situations that fall to that seven hole and great teams - playoff teams - they come through and score in those spots."
"I would say it's actually freeing in the sense of, you're not expecting to put up a certain OPS or this or that. You're just trying to help the team win," Roberts said. "My ask is to just be a better hitter, to fight, and to put together at-bats. "That's pretty much in any player's control, versus trying to hit a certain number of homers, ribbies, this or that. I was hoping to free him up a little bit. It's good to see it."
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