O’s Slugger Renato Nunez Showing No Signs of Slowing Down
BALTIMORE, Md — When watching the Baltimore Orioles recently, the sight of Renato Nunez running (or trotting around) the bases has become as routine as the sound of “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” during the seventh-inning stretch at Camden Yards. So, when Nunez smoked a double in his first at-bat on Sunday against San Francisco, it wasn’t much of a surprise; simply put, he’s just on another level right now.
Since May 20th, Nunez and his swing have performed in perfect harmony. During this time, he’s hit an MLB-best eight home runs, though he’s had his share of base knocks and two-baggers as well. All told, Nunez has gone 18-for-50 during his tear, raising his season batting average to .250 (from .211) and re-earning the trust of first-year manager Brandon Hyde as the team’s primary DH.
A few weeks ago, though, things were headed in the opposite direction for Nunez. He started the season hitting well (.301 BA in his first 25 games) but all the while, his defense was rocky at best. Then, as May got going, his bat disappeared too, putting the 25-year old in an uncomfortable spot among fans and the O’s decision-makers. If he wasn’t going to play particularly well on either side, what’s the use?
After collecting two hits in Game 1 of Baltimore’s doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox on May 1st, Nunez went a putrid 3-for-47 over the next three weeks. Then, all of a sudden, the Yankees came to town on May 20th and a switch flipped.
When asked about his turnaround recently, he talked about how he approaches every at-bat.
“[I] just go out there thinking barrel, you know, hit that ball hard; that’s what I think,” Nunez told MASN.
And while that sounds simple, he also said his “preparation” has helped with his current hot streak, as well as his regular conversations with the team’s hitting coach.
Renato Nunez hasn’t played in Baltimore long but we’ve already seen how streaky he can be. Last season, he put together a few memorable stretches — five games in late September stick out to me — as well as some down times. So this current situation is nothing new, yet the last 14 days are on a totally different level. Eight home runs in 13 games? That’s insane!
Ideally, Nunez takes some of the confidence he’s currently building and continues launching home runs. Per ESPN, he’s on pace for 41 home runs and 96 RBI; if he can actually hold on and do it, that will be a real talking point and building block for next season and beyond. The team isn’t winning right now, but the offense, to me, is far from their biggest issue. I actually like a handful of position players a lot.
Their rotation and bullpen, however, is a different story.
Baltimore (18-41) will have a day off before heading to Texas for three-game series against the Rangers and Astros.