Washington Nationals: Brian Dozier Finding Power Stroke

Washington Nationals second baseman Brian Dozier got off to a slow start this season.  However, over the last few weeks, he is heating up.

The Washington Nationals had the tough task of replacing Daniel Murphy this offseason.  In his time with the Nats, Murphy posted a .930 OPS, made two All-Star teams, and won two silver slugger awards.

No player on the market in the offseason could replace Murphy’s contributions at second base, but the Nationals did a great job snagging former All-Star Brian Dozier on a cheap deal.

Dozier is, notoriously, a slow starter.  In his career, he has posted a .680 OPS in March and April, by far the worst mark of any “month.”  His next worst month is May, in which he improves to a .723 OPS.

However, in June, Dozier posts a .833 OPS, his second best month.

As has been the case in his career, Dozier is starting to heat up with the Nats as the season goes on.

Since May 16, Dozier has slugged his way to a .955 OPS.  His pure power is shown in his .260 ISO, which ranks above average in the MLB over that period (minimum 50 plate appearances).

Not only is Dozier crushing the ball, but he is also cutting back on his strikeouts.  His strikeout percentage of 17.9 is down from his season percentage (25.8) and his career percentage (19.9).

Over the past two months, manager Davey Martinez has continued to emphasize the importance of putting the ball in play.  Dozier is heeding that message, and it is paying dividends.

While Dozier is playing exceptionally well, most of his production is coming against left-handed pitchers.  He has a 1.011 OPS against southpaws in 2019, but a dreadful .606 OPS against right-handed pitchers.

If Dozier wants to solidify his starting spot in the infield, he needs to improve against righties.  Howie Kendrick, Dozier’s primary competition for playing time, has been better than Dozier in nearly every notable stat category this season, and Kendrick’s game comes without that wide pitcher handedness difference.