CINCINNATI — The distress signal, oddly enough, was a catcher’s interference call. When Gregory Polanco clipped Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco’s mitt with his bat Thursday and was awarded first base, it was evidence Polanco’s swing had become too lengthy.
In recent weeks, as Polanco tumbled into a prolonged slump, his swing sagged with bad habits. Polanco’s swing path was rotary rather than linear, manager Clint Hurdle said, a loopy, indirect path the ball. It is spelled out in Polanco’s results — 8 for 49 (.163) in his past 14 games.
“Could there be some pressing? Could there be some trying too hard?