Photo by LSU Athletics
By Hunt Palmer
LSU’s slumping offense could really use Chris Stanfield.
It appears his return to the lineup is inching closer according to head coach Jay Johnson.
“He swung the bat full go today for the first time,” Johnson said on his radio show. “So, that is good. No, I wouldn’t say that I anticipate him playing (Tuesday) in full capacity. I think we’re now at the point where you might see him in some games in a limited capacity with hope of seven to days from playing in a role that we need him which is back in the lineup.”
Stanfield, a senior, hit .298 last season and led the Tigers in conference play with a .326 league average. He was injured on the second day of the season sliding into home plate against Milwaukee. He collided with the catcher and suffered a hand injury.
LSU has used multiple players in left field in Stanfield’s absence. His offense and defense have been missed.
“The type of team we have this year, his skills that he brings to the table are unique, and they fit well with everybody else,” Johnson said. “Having him out, it’s made us a little bit vanilla in a way. You guys have probably felt the impact of his not being there and maybe appreciate him a little bit more.”
The Tigers have lost four of their last eight games and are mired in a brutal offensive slump save Friday’s 15-run outburst.
When Stanfield is available, he could sit at the top of LSU’s lineup. That was initially LSU’s plan before he was injured.
“I thought he’d improved as a player,” Johnson said. “He had a really good fall. The idea was to probably hit him leadoff which we did on Opening Day. I’m optimistic we’re going to get him back. It cannot come soon enough from my chair, but we’ve got to make sure he’s right and 110 percent good to go.”
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