Pinch-hitting is one of the hardest things to do in baseball. You come off the bench for one at-bat, and your opportunity isn’t always expected. Across the league, the batting average for pinch hitters is .206.
The Boston Red Sox often have Rob Refsnyder and Romy Gonzalez on the bench, waiting for opportunities to enter the game against a left-handed pitcher. Gonzalez has done well in the role, going 4-12 with two walks.
Refsnyder hasn’t had the same success this season. In 15 pinch-hit opportunities, he has one hit and four walks. While the veteran outfielder hasn’t succeeded in a small sample, he’ll continue to get opportunities due to his ability to hit lefties. His 144 wRC+ against lefties is among the best in the league.
Refsnyder is no stranger to the opportunity and understands what a challenge it is.
“Not really having a rhythm [is a challenge],” Refsnyder said. “Most of the time, you’re not going to have a great result, so just having a good at-bat.”
Refsnyder stressed the importance of trying to stay in the game from the bench, but recognized that it’s difficult when you’re not on the field or getting consistent at-bats.
About 70% of Refsnyder’s plate appearances have come against left-handed pitchers, creating some gaps in his playing time. His opportunities are sporadic, and he does his best to stay level through the highs and lows.
“I mean, keeping expectations low, as crazy as it sounds…When I was younger, I was expecting out of myself just to feel like completely locked in, right? That expectation is just not even realistic.”
The Red Sox are among the best teams in the league at hitting lefties, and Refsnyder is at the center of that.
