Dave Roberts: Michael Conforto Facing Important Stretch Leading Up To MLB Trade Deadline

While much of the attention surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers and a prospective outfielder largely focused on Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández, the team’s first move to address that position group was by signing Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract.

They eventually were outbid for Soto’s services but went on to re-sign Hernández and moved him to right field. Meanwhile, there was optimism from Conforto and the Dodgers that their hitting coaches would help the veteran bounce back from a disappointing season with the San Francisco Giants.

But instead Conforto has endured the worst season of his career thus far, and with that has come external pressure for the Dodgers to make a move in left field.

With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 31, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged it’s important that Conforto plays well as the team evaluates options, but also doesn’t want that to become a focus, as seen on SportsNet LA:

“It’s critical. I think that I’ve shown my faith in him and given him opportunities. Like I said, I think he’s trending in the right direction. But we’re going to continue to look and figure out ways we can get better as a ballclub as we do get closer to the deadline.

“But I hope that’s not in his mindset. Just continue to get better each night, but it’s important for him to continue to play well.”

Conforto enjoyed arguably his best game of the season on Tuesday as he hit a double and three-run home run in the Dodgers’ comeback win at Coors Field. It was his first game this year with more than one RBI and gave Conforto a modest two-game hitting streak.

When recently discussing the outlook in left field and Conforto’s ongoing struggles, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman voiced confidence in the 32-year-old. Friedman added that it wasn’t likely the Dodgers would trade for an everyday left fielder at the deadline.

Michael Conforto’s adjustments

Conforto has continued working with Dodgers hitting coaches throughout his season-long slump, with one area of emphasis being improving against fastballs.

More recently, Conforto has made subtle changes to his batting stance and incorporated a small leg kick.