Wolters’ bat catching up to his glove

DENVER — Analysts spent the early weeks of the season championing the pitch-framing metrics of Rockies rookie catcher Tony Wolters with the caveat, spoken or unspoken, that his ability behind the plate makes him valuable even if he doesn’t hit a lick.

But it sure is nice that he’s hitting.

Wolters, 24, who was not in the lineup against the Rangers on Monday night, has hit .232 overall with one home run and 22 RBIs in 50 games, including 42 starts. But in eight games since the All-Star break, he is batting .333 with a .462 on-base percentage in 27 plate appearances.

“A lot about hitting is confidence,” Wolters said. “I’m more upright, trying to stay stacked, to give myself room inside and keeping my head on the pitcher.”

Wolters takes the expression “keep your eye on the ball” literally.

“I’ve been making it a priority, really seeing the ball off the bat instead of my head coming up and losing the barrel,” he said. “It’s little things — Little League stuff. It really makes a difference, because all I’m trying to do is keep my bat in the zone as long as possible.”

Wolters …

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