Outfielder Chris Young is more comfortable hitting lower in the order, and it shows.
Young has eight RBIs in the last 10-plus games since being moved from leadoff to a more production-oriented spot in the order, usually sixth, where his aggressive approach works best. "He prefers hitting lower. He's a 30-homer guy hitting leadoff. When we moved him down in the order in Pittsburgh, things started to click. He's driving the ball. He looks more comfortable," D-backs hitting coach Rick Schu said.
Young hit leadoff most of the second half of 2007, when he became the first rookie in major league history with 30 homers and 25 stolen bases, finishing with 32 and 27, and stayed there for the most part earlier this season.
He admits there were times in the leadoff spot when he took a lot of pitches in an attempt to work an at-bat and let teammates see what a pitcher has.
"When I'm in the middle of the order, I change my mindset," Young said.
"Right now, it's important to get (Young) going... take a little pressure off from having to do some things that maybe get in his way a little bit. He obviously does have the power, so we will try to keep him somewhere in the middle of the order," manager Bob Melvin said.
MARLINS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 3: Reliable closer Brandon Lyon gave up two runs in the ninth inning, failing to convert a save opportunity for the first time since April 6, breaking a streak of 15 straight saves. RHP Dan Haren gave up an unearned run in seven innings and finished the month 3-0 with a 1.32 ERA in six June starts. SS Stephen Drew hit his 11th homer, one short of his career high.
