DURHAM — When the 2018 postseason came to a close, the Durham Bulls parted in various directions.
Shortstop Jake Cronenworth went to hitting camp.
That and an improved approach in the batter’s box appear to be paying off early in the International League season.
Cronenworth is batting a league-best .440 through the first couple weeks of the season. He was the league’s first Player of the Week.
“It feels good,” he said. “I’ve taken a good approach at the plate.”
Last fall, Cronenworth went back to the parent Tampa Bay Rays’ offseason headquarters in Port Charlotte, Fla., for a couple of weeks of special work. He had been through this before.
“He keeps developing as a hitter,” Bulls manager Brady Williams said.
Cronenworth said despite the wear and tear of a season he was glad to receive the extra instruction and attention.
“I’m a fan of it, especially right after the season,” he said. “Worked on a few things. A little with mechanics, but mostly with approach (at the plate).”
Cronenworth spent most of 2018 with Class AA Montgomery in the Southern League. He was on board as the regular shortstop for Durham’s postseason when the Bulls claimed another International League championship.
A year ago, Cronenworth went through a 1-for-38 stretch at the plate to begin the season with Montgomery.
“He has been through a lot of tests,” said Williams, who was the Montgomery manager last season.
This April has been much different. Cronenworth has at least one hit in 11 of his first 12 games this season. He already owns a pair of four-hit outings.
“You feel confident with him coming to the plate,” Williams said.
On top of that, Williams said Cronenworth is versatile enough to play as a second baseman and third baseman as well.
“He can play every day,” Williams said.
Cronenworth said he eyed a spot on Durham’s roster to begin this season. He has made a steady climb since he was a seventh-round draft pick in 2015 out of Michigan.
The hot start to the season comes with a basic plan.
“Ride the wave,” he said.
• Durham’s series opener against the visiting Gwinnett Stripers on Friday night was postponed because of stormy weather. The teams will play a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Saturday.