Plummer emerged a new hitter.
The 24-year-old hit three home runs Thursday night for Class AA Springfield, and that included a mammoth walk-off blast. He has seven this season to go with a .306 average, a .405 on-base percentage and, notably, an .896 OPS.
“I think part of it is Plummer and Delvin are guys who you identify as having power or having bat speed and you can get them in there and let them see they have, and from there, it’s how you put them in position to use it,” Albert said.
Plummer, the 23rd overall pick in 2015, came to the Cardinals from a Michigan prep league that played few games and started every at-bat with a 1-1 count. He was viewed as an instinctual but raw hitter who sometimes lacked authority with his swing. Until this season, he had never slugged higher than his on-base percentage. He’s adjusted his stance at the plate, cleared a better bat path, grown and worked into increased strength, and, coming out of that camp, seen results.
Molina sets, ties slew of records
With his appearance Friday against the Cubs, the 227th of his career, Yadier Molina leapfrogged ahead of Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby, who starred for and managed both clubs. Molina is now fifth for games played as a Cardinal against the Cubs.
He also moved ahead of Hornsby for games as a Cardinal at Wrigley Field — with 114. Molina now is second in games caught as an opponent in Wrigley Field, with 112. Al Lopez, a Hall of Fame manager, caught 139 during 18 years in the National League between 1928 and 1946.
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