Lawrie catching fire at plate

TORONTO -- It's been a season of adjustments and catching up for Brett Lawrie, but finally there seems to be consistent production.

The Blue Jays third baseman entered Saturday in the midst of a career-best 11-game hitting streak, during which he's hit .400 with two home runs, six RBIs, and a 1.117 OPS. Of his 16 hits, six have been for extra bases.

"I feel good," Lawrie said after going 0-for-3 with a run in Saturday's 5-4 win over the A's. "I have the same approach, going up there with a clear mind, obviously a plan, and just trusting in that plan, and just trying to execute."

Since returning from the disabled list nearly a month ago, the 23-year-old has seen his batting average climb nearly 40 points to a season-high of .240 entering Saturday.

Manager John Gibbons and veteran infielder Mark DeRosa are among those who've commented on the difference they've seen recently at the plate from the third-year player.

"He looks good and he's getting the results," Gibbons said. "Everyone knows what kind of talent he is. He can do everything really. He has a chance to be really, really good."

Lawrie said the biggest difference has been seeing the ball better, but he admits that a fresh mindset and approach has also been a key to his success.

"It's all about trying to find a groove, trying to get into that good head space, and that right mindset, and just keep plugging away," Lawrie said.

His approach at the plate has largely been influenced by Edwin Encarnacion, who watches video of the day's starting pitcher with Lawrie prior to every game.

"[I] like to hear what he has to say about it, what his approach is going to be, and just apply what I hear," Lawrie said. "[He helps] my mindset before the game. Just things that are going on during the game that Eddy sees. Eddy is hitting .280 with 30 bombs, so obviously he's doing something right. So I figure it's to my advantage to obviously pick his brain a little bit and ask what he's got on the starter. See what his approach is going to be and try and link that up with mine."

"Obviously his approach is a little different, because he is who he is, but I think the mentality is the same."