Marcell Ozuna isn't being used as an every day starter. In fact, his start here tonight was his first since June 11 when he went 0 for 2 against the Dodgers at PNC Park.
Ozuna admitted it's been different dealing with limited playing time, but he's maintained a focus on making sure that he's ready for any situation.
"They might not use me at all, but I was ready," Ozuna said after collecting two hits, including a seventh-inning home run, in the Pirates' 12-4 win over the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. "When they give me the opportunity, I'll be there. I've been talking to them, and [said], 'If you give me more opportunity, I'll probably get back,' or I sit down on the bench and don't [get] an at-bat, it's hard to get a feeling, and then hard to get ready. The way that I did today, I played the whole game, thank God, and then 2 for 5 is amazing for missing five games."
Ozuna has failed to live up to the expectations associated with him signing a $12 million deal this winter. Not only is he batting .198 with a dreadful .595 OPS, he's also striking out at a 28.8% rate (13th percentile) with a whiff rate that sits at 30.2% (21st percentile). He's struggled mightily in terms of hitting breaking pitches, too, mustering an .087 batting average and striking out 26 times.
Despite that, Ozuna has kept calm through it all.
"I've always had a strong mind," he explained. "I never want to give up. I never want to show a bad example to the guy following me. I always have had to keep grinding, and do my best and show my teammates who I am."
THE ASYLUM
Ozuna still staying ready
Marcell Ozuna isn't being used as an every day starter. In fact, his start here tonight was his first since June 11 when he went 0 for 2 against the Dodgers at PNC Park.
Ozuna admitted it's been different dealing with limited playing time, but he's maintained a focus on making sure that he's ready for any situation.
"They might not use me at all, but I was ready," Ozuna said after collecting two hits, including a seventh-inning home run, in the Pirates' 12-4 win over the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. "When they give me the opportunity, I'll be there. I've been talking to them, and [said], 'If you give me more opportunity, I'll probably get back,' or I sit down on the bench and don't [get] an at-bat, it's hard to get a feeling, and then hard to get ready. The way that I did today, I played the whole game, thank God, and then 2 for 5 is amazing for missing five games."
Ozuna has failed to live up to the expectations associated with him signing a $12 million deal this winter. Not only is he batting .198 with a dreadful .595 OPS, he's also striking out at a 28.8% rate (13th percentile) with a whiff rate that sits at 30.2% (21st percentile). He's struggled mightily in terms of hitting breaking pitches, too, mustering an .087 batting average and striking out 26 times.
Despite that, Ozuna has kept calm through it all.
"I've always had a strong mind," he explained. "I never want to give up. I never want to show a bad example to the guy following me. I always have had to keep grinding, and do my best and show my teammates who I am."
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