Matt den Dekker's recent hot streak good sign for 2016

It is never easy to jump from the minor leagues straight into the major league fray and exceed. It usually takes a few at-bats, even a few games to get into a groove.

But for Matt den Dekker, he smashed that preconception upon his return to the active roster in late August. In two of his first three games back, he notched base hits on a single and a double.

Despite an 0-for-4 Tuesday, he has eight hits in his last four games. During that three-game stretch, den Dekker went 8-for-13 with three doubles, two runs, two homers and three RBIs.

"He's been unbelievable," said left fielder Tyler Moore. "Guy's got a lot of tools. When he gets a chance to play, he's always shown up. It's fun watching him play, especially just hitting the ball like he is now."

den Dekker said he adjusted his approach a little while at Triple-A. He has always displayed a smooth, level out swing that makes good contact.

"I made a few changes to my swing in Syracuse," den Dekker said. "I just think I'm going out there trying to have good at-bats and put good swings on balls and it's working out for me."

Manager Matt Williams noticed one reason den Dekker has been able to accrue five extra-base hits in his last four games is the power generated in his new stance.

"He's got a little bit of a leg kick now, which allows him some timing to get his hands back up," Williams said. "He starts with his hands fairly low, and it allows him to get back up and get on top of the ball."

Williams said that power was evident when den Dekker faced the Reds' flame-throwing reliever Jumbo Diaz. He was able to connect on his best fastball at 99 mph and direct it cleanly over the left-center field fence. To stay alive in the at-bat, den Dekker fouled off a 100 mph four-seam fastball offering. The home run gave the Nationals a 4-0 lead on their way to a 5-1 victory over Cincinnati.

The 28-year-old den Dekker is batting .264 this season and .246 for his career. His on-base percentage is .324 and his BAbip (batting average of balls in play) is .305 for his young career. If he can continue to remain consistent and make good contact at the plate, he could platoon if the Nationals need him in the leadoff spot. But more than that, he will be a valuable left-handed utility bat that can play multiple outfield spots.

I also think the Nationals should search for another power-hitting left-handed bat, similar to what Adam LaRoche brought two years ago with maybe more consistency, all a part of the offseason shopping list.