Chicago White Sox: Three predictions for second half of season

Avisail Garcia returns to his 2017 form

Avisail Garcia had a breakout season in 2017. He posted career highs in runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. This led to his first All-Star selection and also raised expectations for 2018.

But to this point in the season Garcia has only played in 18 games due to a hamstring injury suffered in April. He is hitting .233 with one home run and four RBIs.

This has clearly had an impact on a young team that needs his presence in the lineup. The good news is that he will be returning shortly. And with the overall lack of production from the outfield positions, his return will be a nice boost to the lineup. He is currently tearing up AAA pitching in Charlotte.

It may take some time for him to knock the rust off, but it’s not unreasonable to think that Garcia can return to his 2017 form. Or at least somewhere close to that.

Granted, his BABIP of .392 played a large factor in his overall numbers last season and that number his likely to regress back towards his career number of .338. But his overall approach at the plate was noticeably better last season and that in itself makes him a more dangerous hitter than in previous years. If he can continue to improve on pitch recognition and not expanding his strike zone, he should continue to be productive in the middle of the lineup.