Four of Jason Heyward’s first five hits since his return from the disabled list have been to the opposite field, entering Sunday’s series finale against the Twins. That’s a sign that he’s rounding back into form after hitting only .121 in 17 games before his emergency appendectomy.
“Just hitting the ball where it’s pitched, not trying to do too much,” said Heyward, who was 5-for-19 since returning. “Don’t focus too much on hitting the ball in any specific spot. Just go up there and react and have good enough timing to hit the ball where it’s pitched.”
His first two hits Friday night against the Dodgers went to left field, including a double down the line.
Chipper Jones was watching from his luxury box at Turner Field Saturday night when Heyward took Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp up the wall in left center to rob him of extra bases. Jones liked what he saw from Heyward Friday night too.
“I talked to him after the game; his approach is great,” Jones said. “It’s nice to see him cut down (his swing) and drive the ball the other way. The start Justin (Upton) got off to – I think it actually worked against JHey and BJ (Upton) a little bit. They started trying to match him and hit the ball out over the fence instead of driving the ball through the wall.”
Heyward said he and Jones have had regular conversations about using the opposite field. Jones was quick to text Heyward after he homered to the opposite field on April 16 against the Royals, telling him he made an old man proud. Heyward’s response? Words he’d heard from Jones for years. “Anybody can pull the ball. It takes a real man to go oppo.”
“It’s cool that he’s still able to see (and stay involved),” Heyward said. “That’s definitely one of the conversations we’ve had time after time.”
