TORONTO — Matt Davidson’s second go-round as a designated hitter will have a different feel.
Not that it’s old hat or that he’s Johnny Big Leaguer now. The reality, though, is that Davidson says it’s tougher to stay engaged from at-bat to at-bat when not playing in the field now that the buzz of his first big-league experience has worn off.
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“This year, I’m a little more experienced with it; I kind of know what to expect,’’ he said. “Last year, being in the big leagues for the first time, it was awesome going to the new stadiums and everything was all new. It was easy to stay engaged.
“As the season goes on and you start DHing a lot and the days get long and you start getting a little bored, you have to stay engaged in the game.’’
Davidson, who hit 26 home runs in 2017, the fourth-most by a Sox rookie, belted his fourth homer in the second inning Wednesday against Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez, his first since he launched three on Opening Day to become the first player in Sox history to hit four homers through the team’s first five games.
Manager Rick Renteria alleviated some of the boredom by letting Davidson out of the dugout to play first base, slotting Jose Abreu at DH.
“Getting him out there and getting the dirt under his feet on defense is good,’’ Renteria said.
Davidson would agree.
“DHing is a lot easier if you’re going well, but if you’re struggling, it can get in your head,” Davidson said. “If you’re going good, you’re loose, and if you’re struggling, you don’t have the luxury of going out to play defense to take your mind off it.’’
Davidson says it will be healthy to turn his brain off between innings when he can.
“The biggest thing with DHing is to find the right balance and not go overboard because you do have time,” he said.
The even bigger thing for Davidson in 2018 is cutting down on strikeouts and getting on base more.
“I know the home runs and RBI are going to come,’’ he said. “I know that in the zone I’m a really good hitter; I don’t really swing and miss a lot in the zone. I can’t swing at balls that aren’t in the zone.
“These guys are the best in the world. It takes time to adjust and do it.”
