by Tony Fiorello
Rafael Lantigua in action for the Herd. Photo courtesy of Buffalo Bisons.
For an athlete, slumps stink.
Especially if you’re coming off a career year. No matter what you do to try and change your luck, you just can’t get back to your prior level for whatever reason.
The Bisons’ Rafael Lantigua should know. After finishing fourth on the team in batting average (.302) and leading the club outright in RBIs (85), hits (142, also third in the IL), doubles (40 – first) and walks (98 – second), most onlookers believed that Lantigua’s breakout campaign was a sign of things to come in 2024.
It hasn’t quite worked out that way just yet. Lantigua is ending the month of July with an average of just .247, 25 RBIs, 73 hits and 44 walks thus far. Unsurprisingly, his on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS are all below last year’s marks as well.
However, things seem to be looking up. Since July 20 Lantigua’s performance at the plate has picked up, going nine for his last 33 at-bats (a .272 average) with six walks. Additionally, Lantigua had a 16-game streak that saw him safely reach base from May 12 to June 2.
Bisons manager Casey Candaele has liked what he’s seen from Candaele lately.
“Last season Lantigua had a tremendous year. He’s struggled a little bit this year, but in the second half he's come on and he's back to swinging the bat how he did last year,” Candaele said. “It's good to see, and he plays the game hard.
“He’s made a few adjustments and kind of stepped back and looked at the things that he was doing last year and has kind of gotten back into a good groove. Hopefully he can keep that up until the end of the year.”
Lantigua noted that he got back to the basics a few weeks ago, and it’s starting to pay dividends for him and for Buffalo.
“During the all-star break I decided to work with my hitting coach on some things, and that’s helped me a lot,” Lantigua said. “I'm trying to make the adjustments that I needed, and so far it's working.”
The Bisons’ utility man has also performed admirably on defense – despite his so-so offensive output in 2024, he’s even better at preventing runs.
“He’s very valuable for us out there,” Candaele said. “He can play shortstop plus any of the infield positions and all three outfield positions. He’s played great defense for us.
“That was the big thing – even when he was frustrated and the offense wasn't there, we would be constantly harping on the fact that he's playing great defense. That can get you to the big leagues and get you in the lineup.”
With his work ethic and his desire to get better, Lantigua believes that if he continues to bring his best attributes to Sahlen Field every day, he will eventually realize his lifelong wish of playing in the major leagues.
“I just try to play the game the right way, don't make a lot of mistakes in games and always try to bring some energy to the team,” Lantigua said. “I’m hoping that a call-up will come at some point. I've been grinding my whole career, and I’ve always tried to do my best to reach my goal – fulfilling my dream to play in the big leagues. And I’ll continue to try my best.”
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