Dodgers Interview: Conforto credits adjustments for uptick at the plate
LOS ANGELES — Michael Conforto may have started the season searching for his swing, but after Tuesday night’s 6–1 win over the White Sox, the veteran outfielder looks like a hitter who’s finally turning the corner — and his adjustments are paying off.
Batting seventh in the Dodgers’ lineup, Conforto came through with a two-run single in the first inning that capped off a four-run frame, giving starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto the rare luxury of pitching with a comfortable lead. Though his RBI knock wasn’t the flashiest hit of the night, it was part of a strong collective effort and another sign that Conforto’s timing — and confidence — are coming back.
“I feel more comfortable up there,” Conforto said postgame. “Especially in situations where I can drive guys in, play a little baseball, do something to help the team win — that’s really the name of the game.”
After a slow start to the year, Conforto and the Dodgers’ hitting staff made some mechanical changes to help him better handle fastballs — particularly on the inner half. Among the adjustments: a more open stance and a slightly larger leg kick designed to help him get his body moving earlier.
“I opened up my stance a little bit,” he explained. “And I started a little bit bigger of a leg kick — just to get myself moving a little bit earlier. Opening up the stance also helps keep my body from getting in the way of the bat getting to the ball. Those were things we had been tracking.”
It’s not the first time in his career he’s used this approach, but it’s the first time in a while. “It’s been a few years,” he admitted. “Maybe 2018, 2019 was the last time I picked my leg up a little more. I’ve mostly had a simpler setup, but you have to constantly evolve. The league adjusts to what you’re doing, so you’ve got to stay a step ahead.”
The Dodgers’ lineup as a whole showed off its relentless two-out approach again Tuesday, something Conforto sees as a hallmark of this team’s identity.
“It’s just a little bit of what the guys have been doing all year,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is — they’re always tough outs. Guys stick to their plan, they don’t chase, and that makes it tough on pitchers and defenses.”
That plan was on full display in the first inning. After Will Smith and Max Muncy worked back-to-back walks with two outs, Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, and Conforto all delivered RBI hits to give the Dodgers a quick 4–0 lead.
“Max had a good walk, Teo had a big hit, Andy followed with another big one, and then I was able to dump one in there to finish it off,” Conforto recalled. “Just trying to be on time, stay on the fastball, and put together tough at-bats.”
The Dodgers are beginning to see real production from the bottom third of their order, and Conforto’s recent adjustments are a big reason why. But he was quick to shift the attention to one of the breakout stars of 2025 — his outfield mate, Andy Pages, who drove in three runs on Tuesday and continues to build a compelling case for All-Star recognition.
“It’d be awesome to see him named an All-Star,” Conforto said. “He’s earned it. What people might not see is just how hard he works. He’s out there throwing almost every day, he’s consistent in the cage, and he doesn’t take days off. He’s been huge for us.”
For a player who began the year in a part-time role and then fought through a slump, Conforto’s resurgence has been built on veteran know-how, mechanical tweaks, and a willingness to evolve — the same adaptability that’s helped him last nearly a decade in the big leagues.
“There’s still some work to do,” he admitted. “But I think a lot of the hard work has paid off.”
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