Coming into Monday’s series against the Minnesota Twins, the Boston Red Sox had a chance to prove themselves. Facing one of the best teams in the league, Boston was out to prove that their recent success was no fluke. The Sox entered the series on a five-game winning streak and fresh off a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles. A big reason for their recent success has been Jackie Bradley Jr. The Sox’s center fielder has been on fire at the plate after a brutal start. Although Bradley has always been known for his Gold Glove defense, his bat is also key.

Just a month ago, it seemed as if 2019 would be a lost season at the plate for Bradley. On May 19, he was hitting .144 with an OPS of .421. Bradley has always been streaky at the plate, but with the Red Sox failing to meet expectations, his struggles were magnified. Over the last Month, however, Bradley has improved and raised his average to .210. His hot stretch has coincided with the Red Sox’s best play of the season.

Entering play on Monday, Bradley was hitting .357 in his last seven games. In those games, the Red Sox went 5-2, shrinking the New York Yankees’ division lead to five games. Over the last month, Bradley has made adjustments to his swing and looks more confident at the plate. He also has shown his power stroke as of all of his home runs have come in the past five weeks. Although he will never be a top of the order bat, Bradley is still important to the Red Sox’s offense.

Additionally, when Bradley is on, he makes the bottom of the Red Sox’s order dangerous. This is particularly important with Mookie Betts batting leadoff. Getting runners in scoring position in front of him is not ideal for the opposition. It was what made the Red Sox successful last year as their lineup was difficult from top to bottom.

Unfortunately for Bradley, his hitting streak came to an end on Monday night. He was able to bounce back on Tuesday with a multi-hit effort. Even in the game that Bradley went hitless, he made a highlight reel catch in center. The Sox do not need him to hit .300 but contribute as he has in recent weeks. He has the ability to hit for power and at times can be a threat on the bases. The last month has demonstrated that as his OPS has risen by nearly .200 points.

As the Red Sox look to gain ground, the play of Bradley will be key. He is one of the best defensive center fielders and can impact the game in different ways. If Bradley can continue to contribute then he adds a new dynamic to the Red Sox’s offense. They are finally resembling the team they were expected to be and rising in the standings.