Among the many questions about Jake Burger’s pro potential is his glove. That aspect of his game was on full display tonight, as he booted a routine grounder early but later grabbed two hard line drives and also made a nice pick on a ball in the hole.
The Knights could have used Burger’s hot bat Tuesday evening, though. They lost 6-4 to the Nashville Sounds, mustering only five hits. Burger struck out in the bottom of the 8th with two outs and two men on base marking one of his three strikeouts on the night. Most of his teammates didn’t fare any better.
With two exceptions.
Gavin Sheets hit two rockets Tuesday, including a double over the center fielder’s head that had an exit velocity of 106 mph, and a single up the middle at 105 mph. Likewise, Luis Gonzalez lined a two-run shot that zipped over the rightfield wall in a hurry, which was his second home run of the season.
Burger Flashes the Leather
The third baseman worked hard in the off-season to re-shape his body, shedding 40 pounds and playing a lot of tennis in an attempt to increase his agility. Tuesday, at least, that work paid dividends.
Manager Wes Helms offered this assessment of Burger’s defense to date: “Side to side, he’s been very good. Routine balls that are on the ground, very good. Some of the choppers, he’s still getting his feet wet and getting comfortable with that.”
What appears to be routine grounders are still sometimes troublesome for Burger.
“Like the ball tonight,” Helms said, “it is routine (grounder), but it is a topper and he has to decide when he’s going to attack it and when he’s going to wait back. That comes with experience.”
And Helms said there is no substitute for live games.
“You can take all the fungos you want,” he said, “but seeing balls off the bat are the best thing for reading choppers and deciding to do a drop step or go get the hop.”
Burger is also still getting acclimated to playing every day. Early in the season, Helms said, Burger was often tired and sore but “he is starting to get there. We’ll take our time with him, maybe through July. But after that we’ll take the reins off and let him go.”
Zavala, Johnson on the IL
Catcher Seby Zavala is on the injured list with concussion symptoms, but the team expects him back next week. He’ll be reevaluated this Thursday.
Reliever Tyler Johnson has recovered from a hip issue and is back throwing off a mound.
Lambert’s Call Up
Helms said a lot of the decision simply came down to which of the starters in Charlotte were fully rested. There is some consultation with pitching coach Matt Zaleski, but a spot start for a doubleheader, Helms said, doesn’t always result in the most effective pitcher getting the call. Helms had a visit from family Monday night and was unable to watch Lambert pitch.
Photo credit: Sean Williams/FutureSox
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