HOUSTON — Matt Joyce started the season in a dreadful funk, batting .193 as late as June 9.
Since then, he has lifted his average nearly 40 points, and he’s even starting to get regular at-bats — especially after delivering a three-run double off lefty Mike Minor in Oakland’s comeback win over the Royals on Tuesday.
On Friday at Houston, Joyce was the lone left-handed hitter in Oakland’s lineup against lefty Dallas Keuchel.
“He’s taking advantage of the opportunity,” manager Bob Melvin said. “You look at his swing and the way he goes about his business, tracking the baseball, you would think he could have success against left-handed pitching.