Adam Dunn was a perfect fit in the American League. So went the scouting report. The ex-Washington Nationals star was a power hitter who couldn’t play defense. Hello, league of the designated hitter.
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But the problem is Dunn hasn’t proved that assessment right. At least not yet. After signing a four-year, $56 million contract in December — after two seasons with Washington — Dunn is struggling.
Entering Monday night’s game vs. Texas, Dunn was 0-for-30 vs. left-handers. He’s also batting just .114 at home and .194 overall. He’s hit four homers and driven in just 21 runs.
We’re guessing the White Sox expected more.
“I’m gonna fix it. It’s just a matter of how or when,” Dunn told Chicago reporters. “It’s just one of those things. Sitting around pouting about it, moping about it isn’t going to change anything. … I want [the pitcher] to look at me and say, ‘He’s still dangerous. I don’t care what he’s hitting.’ If you’ve got that bad body language, like you’re pouting or something, what’s that solve?”
It’s not as if slow starts are common for Dunn, who averaged 12.2 homers through May over the past five seasons.
“[I’ve] been trying to almost get out of this stupid funk that I’m in by one swing, swinging as hard as I can — and that’s really not me,” Dunn said. “I don’t swing as hard as I can. I never have. I need to just relax and get back to the basics of seeing it and hitting it.”
