The Rays first baseman enjoyed the All-Star Game with family and friends
TAMPA, Fla. – Jonathan Aranda and Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk grew up together in Tijuana, Mexico. Hence, it was a special time for the Rays’ first baseman to spend the break in Atlanta and enjoy the atmosphere of the Midseason Classic with his buddy and fellow American League all-star.
“We had a lot of fun and we were together pretty much all of the time,” said Aranda of his youth with Kirk, through team interpreter Eddie Rodriguez. “Having the opportunity to share that experience and that moment with him (in Atlanta) was something that was really cool.”
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Perhaps what has been most impressive about Aranda’s season is the level of consistency to which he has performed. Only four times has the 27-year-old entered a game with his average under .300, and with a low-water mark of .294 in late April. He enters Saturday evening’s game versus the Orioles at Steinbrenner Field fourth in the American League in hitting at .319 and sixth with an OPS of .878.
“I think it’s keeping my focus on my strengths, the things that I can do well,” he said of his consistency.
What few times Aranda has shown signs of something resembling a slump, he has been able to shrug it off and spray line drives all over the field once again.
“It has felt like he has been hot all season long,” said manager Kevin Cash. “It is a testament to him how he has worked through struggles.”
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Aranda had plenty of struggles to work through a year ago. He was enjoying a fantastic spring training when he fractured a finger a week before Opening Day, an injury that cost him six weeks. Not long after returning, he was sidelined once again thanks to an oblique strain. In the midst of those setbacks, he understandably struggled to find a groove and was up and down between the Rays and Triple-A Durham.
Finally health, Aranda was recalled at the end of August and showed what he can do with a bat in his hands. Though his average was only .247 (20-for-81), he consistently hit the ball hard and ripped five homers, five doubles and had an .813 OPS.
“We saw enough (late last season) that this is a guy that can do some special things,” said Cash. “He earned the opportunity and has done it day after day.”
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Aranda had the opportunity to go to Atlanta where he was with wife, Milka Madrano, one-year-old daughter, Regina Sofia, and his mother and brothers.
“It was very emotional, getting to the hotel and seeing each of the all-stars,” he said. “Some of them were there for the first time like me. Having the experience with my family and friends is something that I will never forget.”
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