CLEVELAND — Outfielder David Murphy was the only significant free agent position player signed by the Cleveland Indians during the offseason. Murphy got off to a slow start in the first week of the season but he is now the hottest hitter in the Indians’ lineup and he had another big night Tuesday in Cleveland’s 8-6 win over the San Diego Padres.
Murphy was 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and four RBIs. In his last two games, Murphy is 6-for-8 with three doubles, a home run and five RBIs. In those two games, he has raised his average from .143 to .364.
Murphy appeared to be pressing through the Indians’ first few games, but he has been much better in the last few.
“I think a game like this allows him to relax and play the game the way we know he can play it, which is good for everyone,” said Indians manager Terry Francona.
Last year with Texas, Murphy struggled, hitting .220, which is over 50 points below his career average. He attributed that off year to his belief that he had to hit for more power, following the Rangers’ loss of slugger Josh Hamilton. Ironically, in trying to hit for more power, Murphy hit for less. He hit 13 home runs last year, two fewer than he hit the year before.
The plan for the left-handed hitting Murphy in Cleveland is for him to share playing time with right-handed hitting Ryan Raburn in right field. The Indians will play San Diego in a doubleheader Wednesday, and the Padres are starting left-handed pitchers in both games. However, Murphy’s hot bat might earn him a start in at least one of those games.