Enmanuel Valdez has made an impact at the plate since being recalled

For Emmanuel Valdez, the 2024 campaign has been full of ups and downs. Valdez started the season in the majors before being optioned to Triple-A on May 2 after hitting .156 in 96 at-bats. He returned at the end of the month, has been on fire at the plate, and helped spark the Red Sox offense. 

In 41 at-bats in June, the 25-year-old has posted a .317 batting average and driven in 13 runs. The Red Sox second baseman has also made a lot of hard contact in that span, recording six doubles and three home runs. As the Red Sox won series over some of the best teams in baseball, the Yankees and Phillies, Valdez has been at the center of their success.

One of the most significant changes in Valdez’s game has been his ability to put the ball play. When he looked lost at the plate in May and April, Valdez struck out 26 times. So far this month, he has struck out five times and drawn six walks. He only walked four times in his first 91 at-bats of the season. 

While the Dominican native still has room to grow defensively, his recent success at the plate has been a welcome sign. In his last seven games, Valdez has posted a .375 batting average and found ways to get on base regardless of who is on the mound. That was not the case earlier this season. 

“It feels great to hit one around the Pesky Pole,” Valdez said through a team translator following a 6-3 Red Sox win over the Detroit Tigers on June 1. “I think I've been also hitting the ball hard. Over 100 miles an hour have been caught. To be able to get one is great.”

Although the season is far from over, keeping Valdez out of the lineup will be hard if his success at the plate continues. He has shown a talent for coming through with big hits and helped the Red Sox win three straight series. In his latest opportunity Valdez has looked like a different player with no intention of returning to the minors anytime soon.