Even though we are nearing the end of the first month of the season, players have accumulated a small enough number of at-bats that a few hits could still make a huge difference to their stat line. Brandon Belt provides a classic example of this phenomenon.
Returning from a three-day absence from the Giants' starting lineup on Wednesday, Belt is primed to improve upon his modest start to the season. He is currently batting just .222, even though he has been smacking line drives at a high rate. Of the 16 liners he has smashed, only nine have become base hits. That number of line drives typically produces two or three additional hits, and if you add three hits (some of which could be for extra bases) to Belt's stat line, his average stands at .270 instead.
If you're thinking about dropping Belt, give him another chance. Not only did he deal with an illness early in the season, but he appears to have suffered from some bad luck at the plate as well.