You’ll be forgiven if you made it this far only because you wanted to hate-read after seeing the headline, but I’m glad you’re here just the same. Albert Almora Jr.’s struggles at the plate have been widely chronicled and his presence in important lineup spots has grown ever more questionable. But the sudden change from solid producer to league-worst hitter remain somewhat inexplicable. Or is it?
Those of you disinclined to put much stock in the mental side of the game may see it as mere correlation rather than causation, but Almora’s splits from before and after a foul off his bat injured a young fan in Houston are hard to ignore.