Justin Upton is experimenting with a change in his mechanics and seeing immediate results, virtually eliminating his leg kick as he starts his swing.
Braves hitting coach Greg Walker said he and Upton have talked about simplifying his “load” for a while, but that Upton decided to take it into a game in Miami and liked what he felt.
“It just keeps him more consistent to the launch position,” Walker said. “Everything gets there easier, earlier, quieter. It’s more efficient.”
Upton went 5-for-10 in the first two games of that series against the Marlins, with four doubles, a home run and five RBIs. He broke through with a two-run double in the 14th inning of the Braves’ 7-1 win on Monday night.
After hitting .217 in May and June combined with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and 18 RBIs, Upton went 3-for-4 against the Reds Thursday night to raise his July average to .319 (14-for-44). He has six doubles, one triple, one home run and eight RBIs in 10 games this month.
Walker called this the early stages of the adjustment. He said Upton’s initial apprehensions came because he thought it might cost him power.
“I think his fear all along is he’s going to lose some pop,” Walker said. “But he’s got so much pop that we felt like all along he could give up some of that for more efficiency.”
Upton led the major leagues with 12 home runs in April. He’s had four since, but he could take some confidence from the home run he hit Tuesday night in Miami.
“I’m taking my base hits,” Upton said. “I ran into the one the other night - the ball left the yard for me - so you’ve got to be patient. I’m being patient with myself right now.”
