A Toronto Blue Jays outfielder is currently having a breakout second half. In the first half of the season, he was in an offensive slump. But that’s without question changed especially in the past month with the Jays. He has inevitably proven that he has been a solid pickup by the Jays. The Jays made the bold move of acquiring him from the Arizona Diamondbacks back in December 2022. Some have questioned whether the Jays won that trade, but the outfielder has given the Jays something to smile about with his much-improved second half.
Blue Jays Outfielder Having a Breakout Second Half
Sparked Offense
Varsho turns on the jets to get a bunt single and then steal second. 💨 pic.twitter.com/Yau54lu26w
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 9, 2023
Looking at the last 21 games (before the Jays played the Baltimore Orioles on August 22nd) that Daulton Varsho has played in, he has come up with some big at-bats. In addition, he has provided the Jays with some clutch hits. He’s improved his on-base percentage from .274 to .368, his OPS from .625 to .985, his strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB) has gone from 96/29 to 11/7, and finally, his chase percentage rate has gone from 29% to 24%.
Varsho has hit four home runs in August. This is a vast improvement compared to July when he was silent and hit zero. On Tuesday evening, Varsho came up with a clutch two-run homer blasted at 416 feet in the game against the Orioles. The homer gave the Jays the lead in the top of the second inning. The Jays went on to win that game 6-3 against the Orioles. Varsho and teammate Brandon Belt have shared the limelight recently with consistent hitting for the Jays.
Daulton Varsho puts the Jays ahead with a two-run shot! pic.twitter.com/AYGQuzHQTz
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 22, 2023
Adjustment at the Plate
Daulton Varsho (15)
Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
Pitcher: Aaron Nola
Date: 8/16/23 pic.twitter.com/VT6s3ZxcDD— TOR Home Runs (@TOR__HR) August 20, 2023
So, what’s helped Varsho improve his at-bats? For one thing, Varsho has said farewell to the leg kick, which he usually does when hitting, and has returned to the toe tap. The toe tap has worked in his favor and helped him get more walks.
Since August 1st, and entering the game on Tuesday evening, in his last 18 games, Varsho has slashed .269/.345/.538, hit three home runs, a .269 isolated power (ISO), a weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .374, and a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 141. Another impressive stat that Varsho has put up is that before the All-Star Break, his OPS was .645, and now following the All-Star Break, it is .783. Varsho has had an excellent month of August for the Jays, where he has recorded 16 hits and 13 RBI. The Jays need to place more trust in Varsho and his offensive abilities.
Varsho Runs the Show
Daulton Varsho saves his best baseball for when the lights are brightest 🫶
— Nae 🧬 🕊️ (@NaeNaeTakes) August 23, 2023
We can now call him toe-tap Varsho, and Varsho has toe-tapped his way to victory in the second half with the Jays this season. He has silenced the haters and has remained sound at the plate. It will be exciting to see how many home runs he will hit by the end of the season. Do not let Varsho get hot, folks, because he is on fire when he does. The number of games in the second half where he has helped give the Jays leads has been refreshing.
Varsho has found his groove and has done it at a vital time when the Jays need significant wins. Varsho has been a hot hitter for the Jays, and his talent should not go unrecognized. It shows you that Daulton Varsho is productive when it matters the most. Much respect goes to Varsho and his rhythmic second half of the season.
Main Photo Credits:
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
