Trayce Thompson has been one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ best players since they acquired him from the Detroit Tigers, and he has consistently come through in big moments.
On Friday, Thompson helped the Dodgers secure a win in their series opener against the Miami Marlins with a game-tying double in the seventh inning and leaping catch in the ninth.
“He’s a clutch player,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s a guy that’s been around for quite some time and really has an understanding now of who he is as a big league ballplayer. He just has that ability to slow the game down. It’s probably in his bloodline.”
In high-leverage moments, Thompson is batting .333/.429/.667 over 28 plate appearances. From the seventh through ninth innings, he’s hitting .326/.415/.630, and with runners in scoring position, he’s slashing .303/.378/.667.
“I just try to play the game,” Thompson said about his clutch hitting. “The noise or anything like that, I don’t really see it that way.
“I just try to go out there and get a good pitch to hit, or I try to go out there and make a play for my guys. I feel like no matter the situation — I don’t know if it’s because of my upbringing because of my dad or what it is — I just try to go out there and simplify it.
“Get a good pitch to hit when I’m up at the plate and not try to do too much. And on the field, just try to go make plays and be prepared.”
Although Thompson had his opportunities impacted by the trade for Joey Gallo, the 31-year-old is now hitting .258/.352/.476 with five home runs, a 135 wRC+ and 1.3 WAR.
The Dodgers have the deepest roster in baseball, but Roberts wants to continue finding playing time for Thompson, who may soon find himself playing over Cody Bellinger more often down the stretch.
Thompson impressed Steph Curry
With Golden State Warriors MVP Stephen Curry in attendance for a recent game at Dodger Stadium, Thompson delivered a pinch-hit double that sent the four-time champion into celebration. Thompson didn’t see Curry celebrating his extra-base hit, but was appreciative of the support from his family friend.
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