Justin Crawford's in-season adjustments paying dividends

The grind of a 162-game season has not been kind to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford. However, some in-season adjustments have helped the 22-year-old find his stroke at the plate and have the best month of his young career. 

The Phillies' hitting coaches have helped Justin Crawford have a shorter approach

“[It's a] Long season,” Crawford said to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. “A game of adjustments. 

 "I’m definitely working on being shorter to the ball,” Crawford added. “Just trying to take a little bit of that, like, extra movement out, making me a tick late on the ball. I’ve definitely been trying to do that a little bit. …It’s been good.”

These adjustments from Crawford have come into play as of late, as he has a four-game hitting streak and was 3-for-3 with three RBI in the Phillies' 8-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 30. 

In his last 15 games, Crawford is batting .362 with six RBI, seven runs and a .388 on-base percentage. The month of June has been Crawford's best month, as he carries a .360 batting average and .693 OPS into July. 

The one adjustment Crawford hasn't made in his rookie season is using his lightning speed. Coming into the season, Crawford had stolen 46 bases (caught 11 times) at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but has only 10 steals (caught three times) with the Phillies this season. 

Justin Crawford's hot bat could be putting him back on track to getting consistent at-bats

Since struggling -- Crawford had his worst month in May, batting .195 with 16 strikeouts and a .253 on-base percentage -- the Arizona native lost his everyday status and has been subjected to a platoon role. Against certain left-handers, interim manager Don Mattingly has put veteran outfielder Derek Hill in center field instead of Crawford. 

After a strong week, which included a robbery of a would-be Juan Soto home run, Hill has cooled off, going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in his last three games. With Hill cooling off and Crawford swinging a hot stick, he should get himself more at-bats, especially with Gabriel Rincones Jr. struggling too. 

The Phillies outfield may be changing soon, with the trade deadline (Aug. 3) almost a month away. But the addition of Tommy Pham, who signed a minor league contract, has also put pressure on the outfielders currently on the roster.

Crawford will hope his adjustments continue to pay dividends as he looks to solidify his spot in the lineup and help the Phillies make a playoff push.