In Kyle Schwarber’s first six games in June, the Washington Nationals left fielder walked to the plate 25 times. He hit three singles. He walked three times. He struck out on another eight occasions.
The small sample size was part of Schwarber’s larger offensive struggles to begin the year, which included a short-lived spike in May but had otherwise largely mirrored a dismal 2020 showing with the Chicago Cubs.
Then came a pregame session with hitting coach Kevin Long while the Nationals were in Tampa to play the Rays in early June, working to correct whatever mechanical — or mental — issues were present with his swing and approach at the plate.