2019 Prospect Pad: Jo Adell Knows Pitchers Want To Nibble

Image credit: Jo Adell at the Baseball America Prospect Pad (Photo via Getty Images)

As he went down to the ground after a freak injury running the bases during a spring training game in Mesa, Ariz., Angels top prospect Jo Adell said that he worried his season was over before it even got started.

“It was really tough. Originally, when I went down and I got hurt. I think the first thing that ran through my mind was, everything I want to do this year is over with. As I’m laying out there, and it’s the Cubs place, so it’s rowdy, and all you heard was, Oh! … I knew when I came back I was gonna be stronger. I was going to be ready to go,” Adell said at the Baseball America Prospect Pad.

Baseball America’s No. 2 Prospect, Adell has noticed how opponents have changed how they pitch to him, avoiding giving him much to hit.

“In the past actually couple of weeks, I was hitting really really well, playing really well out of the leadoff spot,” Adell said.

“And teams that want to win they understand that certain parts of the lineup they’re going to proceed with caution, for me that meant more walks. I started to get more walks to lead off games and I understand the guys are sometimes not going to take a chance with me and move on to other players in my lineup.

“This year it’s a lot of breaking balls a lot of stuff out of the zone to see if I’m gonna chase, and that’s when my decision making comes in big, and that’s why I’ve been so (excited) about batting leadoff. It was how many at bats I’m getting and being able to get those walks and being able to really get on base to be a guy that gets on base and can produce a run,” Adell said. 

Adell’s entire interview is included below, which includes insights into how he’s gotten even bigger this season thanks to the Angels strength and conditioning program.