Dodgers News: James Outman Reveals Which Veterans Have Mentored Him Most This Season

The rookie is playing like a true vet.

In the midst of a torrid second half where he's led the entire National League in OBP, Dodger rookie James Outman had plenty of people to thank in the organization to get him to this point. 

After a scorching April as the NL's Rookie of the Month, Outman has put his May and June struggles behind him thanks to the mentorship of his veteran teammate Jason Heyward. 

“He’s kind of been like my mentor this whole season, just helping me with life, like handling the big leagues, handling the day, handling at-bats, keeping me in a good headspace. We’ll sit on the bench and just talk about like, what pitch we think the guy’s going to throw and just stuff like that. Just kind of, like, thinking through the game. And it’s nice hearing it from somebody that’s been doing it so long.”

via Kirsten Watson, Sportsnet LA

The young center fielder also mentioned another MVP caliber outfielder as a key to his success after some rocky months in the middle of this year. 

.@kirsten_watson caught up with @james_outman to discuss his success at the plate as of late. pic.twitter.com/Ri8iYTjcac

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 9, 2023

With the guidance of both Heyward and Mookie Betts, Outman has turned his season around and become a vital cog of the Dodger lineup. 

Though some might have thought the break would cool the youngster down a notch, Outman has only gotten hotter as the spring has given way to summer. 

Even though he's been very comfortable with the bat in his hands, his defensive skills are shining through as well. 

In the earlier series against the rival Padres, Outman robbed San Diego superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. of a home run in one inning, then clobbered a home run off of Yu Darvish in a later one. 

Outman had 2 RBI in that crucial first win of a series that all but dashed the Friars' playoff hopes. 

Though he may be breaking opponent hearts game after game, he sure is stealing those of Dodgers fans by the day.