Alex Call Becomes a 'Straight Grinder' for Dodgers, Showcasing Elite Plate Discipline

New Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call has quickly established himself as one of MLB's toughest at-bats since being acquired at the trade deadline, a reputation earned through years of overhauling his plate approach. After a challenging 2019 season, Call dedicated himself to improving his hitting, notably cutting his strikeout rate in half by 2021 and utilizing virtual reality training goggles. General Manager Brandon Gomes praised Call as a "straight grinder" who is difficult to game plan for, and Clayton Kershaw highlighted his defensive skills and effectiveness against lefties. Call has not struck out in his first eight at-bats with the Dodgers and is one of only four players this season with 200+ plate appearances who maintains strikeout, chase, and whiff rates all under 20%.