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Why A's Marcus Semien attributes his breakout season to switching bat

Who knew a few ounces could make such a difference?

Marcus Semien has been having his best season as a pro, on pace to set career-highs in batting average (.273), on-base percentage (.359), and wins above replacement (5.7).

What has been the key to Semien’s breakout season? He made a switch in the weight of the bat he uses at the plate. He recently explained the changes to Marcus Thompson of The Athletic:

Part of Semien’s improvement at the plate is credited to a bat switch. Last season, Semien used a 34-inch bat.