Mastroianni trying to get his groove back with 51s

A 16th-round draft pick out of Division II Southern Indiana University, 51s outfielder Darin Mastroianni always has felt like a bit of an underdog.

"That's part of what's been good for me and bad for me over the years, feeling that way," he said. "I have to work hard to succeed and open eyes, but I put a lot of pressure on myself and feel like sometimes if I don't succeed, then I'm going to get buried."

The speedy Mastroianni, who will be 26 on Aug. 26, experienced plenty of success the past two seasons en route to earning all-star honors in Class A and Double A.

He compiled a combined 70 stolen bases for Class-A Dunedin (Fla.) and Double-A New Hampshire in 2009 and last year led all Toronto Blue Jays' minor leaguers in steals (46), placed third in batting (.301) and scored 101 runs for New Hampshire.

But Mastroianni's numbers are down in his first year in Triple A as he has struggled to adjust to a new level. He also has dealt with a demotion to Double A and a stint on the disabled list with a pulled right hamstring.

"The last few years I haven't really struggled a whole lot, and this year has been a little bit different," he said. "It's been one of those years where I'll get hot, but then I'll go 0-for-15.

"My lows are just valleys. They're devastating. But I feel like I've learned a lot more this year, too."

Mastroianni, batting .267 with 11 steals for the 51s (57-59), opened the season in Las Vegas on an eight-game hitting streak. But he started having issues with his swing soon thereafter when he began to emulate the powerful swings of teammates such as Eric Thames and Brett Lawrie.

"I tried to keep up with them, and it's never going to happen. They're different hitters, a lot more powerful hitters," he said. "It took me awhile to get back to just playing my game."

The odd man out in a crowded 51s outfield, Mastroianni was sent down to New Hampshire on May 2 and struggled, batting .256 with 12 steals in 41 games.

He rejoined Las Vegas on June 13 and promptly spent three weeks on the disabled list with a hamstring injury that has slowed him on the basepaths.

"It's been a huge learning year for Darin," 51s manager Marty Brown said. "He has the ability to steal a base and speed and above-average defensive ability. But there are times that Darin makes mistakes due to the fact he hasn't experienced things yet.

"We have to be patient with him. It's about development with Darin."

Activated from the disabled list July 3, Mastroianni compiled a season-high 13-game hit streak from July 17 to 28.

He went 1-for-3 with two walks and scored three runs in Sunday's 17-9 loss to New Orleans at Cashman Field and is batting .321 (9-for-28) in August.

The hardworking underdog hopes to eventually follow in the footsteps of a player such as Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista, a former 20th-round draft pick.

"It's cool to see those guys have done it, and I can do it, too," he said. "Hopefully I can get to the big leagues at some point and be the first guy from little old Southern Indiana to ever get to the big leagues."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.