Rob Refsnyder made an immediate impact in his return Wednesday, hitting a two-run homer that opened a 4-2 lead in his first game since June 26. His club ultimately held on for a 7-6 victory, improving its record to 53-55.
What happened
Refsnyder was activated earlier Wednesday after a knee-related injured-list stint. He returned with a decisive power swing, breaking a 2-2 tie with a two-run homer and giving his club an advantage in a game that remained close through the finish.
The eventual one-run victory added significance to Refsnyder's contribution. Although the 4-2 lead did not provide lasting separation, his homer supplied two important runs in a game decided by the narrowest margin.
Why it matters
The win brought the club to 53-55 and closer to the .500 mark after it entered the game below break-even. Every result carries added weight as the season advances, and Refsnyder's return gave the lineup a timely lift in a 7-6 outcome.
His availability also adds a right-handed option before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. The club can now evaluate how he fits into its existing group while determining what, if any, additional moves are needed for the stretch run.
By the numbers
Refsnyder entered his injured-list stint with a .133 batting average, a .203 on-base percentage and a .219 slugging percentage through June 26. Those numbers left room for improvement, making his productive return a notable first step rather than a complete measure of what he can provide.
Wednesday's homer offered immediate evidence of the impact he can make when available. It also came in his first game in more than a month, giving the club a positive result at the start of a potentially important evaluation period.
What to watch next
Refsnyder's playing time before the deadline will help clarify his role. How frequently he is used, and how he performs in those opportunities, will give the club a better sense of whether he can secure regular work during the stretch run.
One home run will not settle that question, but the timing was valuable. Refsnyder returned, produced a lead-changing swing and helped his club earn a win as it tries to move back toward .500.