Melky maintains consistent swing into May

TORONTO -- Melky Cabrera started hot and still hasn't cooled.

The Blue Jays' No. 2 hitter has been been as consistent as they come for Toronto this season, following a difficult 2013 that saw him limited to 88 games while playing with reduced mobility because of a benign tumour on his spine.

Cabrera started 2014 with a 14-game hitting streak and he's rode that momentum to a .335 batting average and an American League-leading 53 hits entering Sunday. His success has been the product of a sound and consistent approach, said Blue Jays hitting coach Kevin Seitzer.

"He never tries to do too much, he never panics with two strikes or in big situation," Seitzer said. "He's always been the same guy with the same approach."

Seitzer should know. He worked with Cabrera as a hitting coach with the Royals in 2011.

Cabrera's success at the plate this season led him to set a franchise record for hits in the months of March and April with 40. He's kept it up in May, hitting .316 (12-for-38). Ten of those hits have been singles.

"He's got a great swing," Seitzer said. "He uses the middle of the field, never tries to overdo it. His work ethic and preparation is off the charts. Every day. He gets the reports I give to him, makes a game plan and approach and goes out and executes."