Bochy: Sanchez, Belt show greatest improvement

NEW YORK -- Catcher Hector Sanchez and first baseman Brandon Belt were the Giants who manager Bruce Bochy mentioned as the club's most improved players in response to a question asked Sunday.

Sanchez entered Sunday batting .267, compared with .280 last year. But Bochy noted that the 23-year-old has progressed considerably since Spring Training, when shoulder ailments limited his performance.

"He's worked to get back on track," Bochy said.

Sanchez has particularly distinguished himself since being recalled from Triple-A Fresno in early August. He began Sunday hitting .311 (23-for-74) with three homers and 15 RBIs in his previous 29 games.

Belt's hitting adjustments have been well documented. Entering Sunday, he had hit .361 (60-for-166) since Aug. 1, the third-highest mark in the Majors during that span behind Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen (.373) and Detroit's Victor Martinez (.368). Belt also had six homers and 23 RBIs in the stretch.

Belt sparked his surge by standing deeper in the batter's box and changing his batting grip. He has recorded career highs or is on pace to finish with personal bests in virtually every offensive category.