AJ Pollock, an American professional baseball outfielder, began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Drafted by the Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Pollock quickly rose through the minor league ranks, making his MLB debut on April 18, 2012. Known for his speed and defensive prowess, he quickly established himself as a reliable center fielder.
Pollock's breakout season came in 2015 when he played 157 games and posted a .315 batting average, along with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs. His performance earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team and a Gold Glove Award, recognizing his exceptional defensive skills. That year, he also led the National League in power-speed number, showcasing his ability to combine power hitting with base-stealing prowess.
Injuries, however, were a recurring theme in Pollock's career. In 2016, he suffered a fractured elbow during a spring training game, which significantly limited his playing time that season. Despite this setback, he returned to the field in 2017, playing 112 games and maintaining a solid performance with a .266 batting average and 14 home runs.
Pollock's tenure with the Diamondbacks concluded after the 2018 season, during which he hit 21 home runs in 113 games. He entered free agency and subsequently signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2019. His time with the Dodgers was marked by both challenges and triumphs. In 2019, he was sidelined for a portion of the season due to an elbow infection, but he returned to contribute to the team's success.
The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Pollock play a crucial role in the Dodgers' lineup. He hit 16 home runs in just 55 games, helping the team secure the National League West title. Pollock's efforts culminated in the Dodgers winning the World Series, their first championship since 1988.
In 2021, Pollock continued to be a valuable asset for the Dodgers, playing in 117 games and hitting .297 with 21 home runs. His consistent performance helped the team reach the postseason once again, although they fell short of repeating their World Series triumph.
⚾