BOSTON -- Adam LaRoche returned to the lineup after what he and Robin Ventura think will be a welcomed two days out of action.
LaRoche has a .212/.306/.347 slash line with nine home runs and 34 RBIs in 356 plate appearances this season. His 30-percent strikeout rate is about eight more than his career average. Not only is LaRoche up against a pitcher he has success against -- he is 3-for-5 versus Boston’s Rick Porcello -- he has been able to work without worrying about results.
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“What’s more important is the two days he had,” Ventura said. “You can sit there and work on stuff. When you have a pretty clear mind you’re not going to be in there to compete that day, you can work on stuff and tinker with things, and it’s good for him to be able to do that, and now he feels good to go back out there.”
LaRoche said Tuesday he wants to contribute to an offense firing on all cylinders. He also admits his struggles have been more mental than anything, though he has tinkered a little the last two days. Ventura likes what he saw from LaRoche before Wednesday’s game.
“He looked good today early getting out here and swinging the bat,” Ventura said. “You make adjustments. You get a couple of days just working out. He looks good today, so you look forward to seeing him.”