Iglesias Working Through Hitting Slump

It was bound to happen sooner or later. The red hot start that Jose Iglesias extended from early spring right through the end of June has suddenly started to sputter.

Jul 14, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias (10) follow through against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

All hitters go through slumps. It’s a long season and Iglesias is just like anyone else, going through fallow periods in which the ball becomes the size of a pea and your bat feels like a toothpick in your hands. What is most concerning is the tag of being an all glove/no stick player always lurking in the critics’ corner.

In 66 at-bats since July 3, Iglesias is batting .197 with a .250 on-base percentage. In his first 135 at-bats of the season, he hit .435.

“Like I say, I’ll continue to work and continue to get better and get back on track where I was,” Iglesias told mlb.com’s Ian Browne. “If I don’t do it with the bat, I’ll do it defensively or baserunning. Anything I can do. You always do something to help this team win.”

Fatigue could also be a factor. This is Iggy’s first time playing at this level for this long. With 204 at bats under his belt and playing third base or shortstop for Boston in 33 straight games, getting worn down is a fact of life.

"“Sometimes when you get fatigued or you get tired, you kind of change little things,” Iglesias said. “Like I said, I feel pretty good. I’ve already talked with my coaches and we’re moving forward. I feel great today.”"

Iglesias has further said that he doesn’t think pitchers are working him any differently but did acknowledge that the Red Sox have been seeing some very good pitchers lately, an expected scenario as Boston plows through a rugged stretch of American League East opponents.