Dave Roberts Hopes James Outman Can Continue Being Productive With Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled James Outman from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move to Teoscar Hernández being placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain prior to Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins.

It represents Outman’s second stint with the Dodgers this season as he made the Opening Day roster for the Tokyo Series but did not appear in either of the two games against the Chicago Cubs.

Outman had a productive start to the year for Triple-A Oklahoma City as he batted .254/.322/.508 with seven doubles, one triple, eight home runs and 27 RBI in 32 games prior to being called up.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hopes Outman is able continue that success at the Major League level and avoid putting pressure on himself, via SportsNet LA:

“You know, I hope so. He’s been up and down many times. He knows the drills. We just exchanged pleasantries, and that was it. It’s up to him to go out there and relax, and know that he should be comfortable in this environment and be free and go play. … The last couple weeks he’s been very productive, taken really good at-bats. So hopefully that continues here.”

Outman made his MLB debut in 2022 and found success as a starter the following year en route to receiving votes for National League Rookie of the Year.

The 27-year-old would struggle in his second full season at the big league level, which Roberts attributed to mechanical issues and self-induced pressure.

Outman focused on adding muscle during the offseason while also making some adjustments to his swing in effort to get back on track.

After a fast start with the Comets, Outman will now look to keep it going in the Majors. He could have an extended look with the Dodgers in the wake of Tommy Edman suffering a setback in his recovery from right ankle inflammation.

James Outman impressed during Spring Training

Roberts previously raved about Outman’s new approach at the plate in Spring Training.

“It’s different,” Roberts said. “I think early on he’s laying the bat down, I think his posture is better, which should be able to kind of cover the top half of the zone a little bit better, which has been a place that he’s been kind of exploited. … Hopefully that kind of builds confidence for him, but it’s different, which I think last year he certainly needed to make the make an adjustment, and he did.”