Andrew Benintendi isn't sugarcoating his struggles so far this season.
The Red Sox outfielder began the year as the team's leadoff hitter, but his subpar performance prompted manager Alex Cora to return to what worked in 2018 with Mookie Betts as the primary catalyst. Benintendi admitted that while he's shown improvement over the last couple weeks, he still doesn't feel like himself.
“I don’t even feel locked in right now,” Benintendi told the Eagle Tribune’s Chris Mason. “I’ve been trying to search for it all year. Just because I’ve had a few good games, barreling it up, it doesn’t mean I’m necessarily back. But it’s the right direction.”
Benintendi's hitting .304 with a .869 OPS in June and had a three-hit night on Wednesday vs. the Rangers, but the 24-year-old isn't satisfied.
“Talk to me in a week in a half," Benintendi said. "If I’m getting three every game then I’ll be locked in.”
The Red Sox begin a three-game set in Baltimore vs. the lowly Orioles on Friday night, a perfect series for Benintendi to continue regaining his confidence.
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