Matt Carpenter has recently faced considerable challenges. On Sunday, the former Yankees infielder struggled again, going 0-for-4 in a game against the Chicago Cubs while playing first base for the San Diego Padres.
His performance this spring has been lackluster, with a batting average of .172, an on-base percentage of .314, and a slugging percentage of .241 across 35 plate appearances.
At the start of the 2023 season, Carpenter is expected to have ample playing time due to Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr.’s ongoing 80-game suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation. However, Carpenter must improve his offensive output to secure his position on the team.
Despite his recent difficulties, including a dismal postseason performance last year with the Yankees where he went 1-for-12 with nine strikeouts, Carpenter remains unfazed.
“I’ve felt great all spring, really,” Carpenter remarked to the San Diego Union-Tribune early last week. “Honestly, I don’t place much importance on spring training statistics, whether they’re good or bad.
It’s such a limited sample, and many factors during this period are atypical compared to the regular season. The routine is entirely different, and there are various anomalies. I evaluate myself based on how my at-bats unfold—the process—rather than focusing solely on the outcomes.”