Dodgers: Edwin Rios Adds Boxing with an MLB Hall of Famer to His Workout Routine
He might be the most powerful man in the world… or at least with the bat and on the Dodgers. Edwin Rios is taking every opportunity he can this season and running with it. In terms of power, he’s doing it at a historic rate.
Edwin Rios > Babe Ruth? ? https://t.co/pK91WzBmVt
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 8, 2020
While that home run rate is understandably unsustainable, it’s a sign that the slugger is doing something right. Moreover, one newer thing he’s doing right involves throwing punches at an MLB Hall of Famer.
Before Saturday’s game, Rios revealed the biggest addition to his workout routine during the quarantine period.
Edwin Rios said he's improved his conditioning by boxing with Barry Larkin during the pause.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 8, 2020
Yes, that Barry Larkin. The HOF shortstop and Rios met in a chance encounter in the 2015 offseason and have continued their relationship since.
It’s a great story. I was working out with Tom Shaw at Disney [World of Sports Performance Camp] and one year Barry Larkin showed up with Dee Gordon, Willy Adames, other guys like [Francisco] Lindor. It was like, holy cow, what are the chances I picked this place to work out and Barry Larkin walks in?
Ever since that moment, we kicked it off. He kind of took me under his wing and every time he opens his mouth, I listen. I mean, he’s a Hall of Famer, so, you better listen.
While Rios said the two had boxed before here and there, things really stepped up during quarantine as they met 2-3 times per week to work on his conditioning. And it showed immediately as Rios showed up to summer camp noticeably leaner.
Now if he could just crack the lineup more often.
NEXT: Chris Taylor Shades the Padres While Talking About His Electric Outfield Throw
In an episode of Backstage Dodgers, during the opening day festivities, he was telling Beaty that his jersey was too big. I wonder how much weight he lost.