That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies rookie Scott Kingery scuffling at plate after solid start

By Kerry Kauffman

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 10: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies has his head rubbed by Luis Garcia #57 and Hector Neris #50 after the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on April 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Reds 6-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 10: Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies has his head rubbed by Luis Garcia #57 and Hector Neris #50 after the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on April 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Reds 6-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Scott Kingery had an impressive spring to make the Phillies’ roster. After a solid start offensively, Kingery has displayed recent struggles at the plate.

Scott Kingery made a rapid climb through the Phillies minor league system last season, opening eyes throughout the organization. His climb continued this spring, hitting .411 with five home runs in 56 at-bats this spring, earning him a spot on the Major League roster. After a solid start, Kingery is struggling at the plate.

After sitting on opening day, Kingery started his Major League career with a bang, going 4-for-9 over the next two. Hitting .250 over his first seven games, Kingery went on a six-game hitting streak. During that stretch, he hit .308 with four doubles, two home runs, and 11 RBI.

As quickly as he got hot, that’s how fast Kingery cooled off. In fact, he has gone ice cold since, going just 2-for-26 with an alarming 13 strikeouts, including four in one game against Arizona on April 24.

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Could Kingery’s struggles after a hot stretch indicate that he’s a streaky hitter? Possibly, he’s just getting adjusted to Major League pitching, most of whom he’s seen for the first time? Given that’s it’s very early in his Phillies’ career, the answer is likely a combination of both.

For the season, Kingery is batting a modest .211 with 2 home runs, 13 RBI, three stolen bases and a .655 OPS.

On the bright side, he has shown he is solid defensively at several positions, playing all positions except for first base, catcher, and pitcher.

Kingery’s talent and upside are too great to be overly concerned about a poor nine-game stretch.

What is worth taking notice of is if the hot and cold stretches continue. If so, Kingery could be one of the best in the league when he’s on and difficult to watch when he’s off.

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All told, Kingery should probably be a solid 15 to 20 home run hitter this rookie season with an equal number of stolen bases.  Kingery should be a key component of the team moving forward this year and for years to come.

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