Didi Gregorius Hits a Pair of Home Runs, Finishes Red-Hot Week Strong

SEATTLE, WA – JULY 23: Didi Gregorius (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

The New York Yankees won their first series since June 9-11 thanks in large part to Didi Gregorius’ red-hot week both at the plate and in the field.

When Didi Gregorius returned to the Yankee lineup in late April after having missed the first month of the season following a shoulder injury he sustained in the World Baseball Classic, it was difficult to predict what the young shortstop would contribute to the team.

Since collecting two hits and driving in one run in his April 28 return against the Baltimore Orioles, Gregorius hasn’t looked back. Didi has made up for the month he missed in a big way, helping keep the Yankees in playoff contention as the calendar turns to August next week.

He played as well as any shortstop, and player for that matter, in baseball this past week, proving once and for all that he’s one of the brightest young stars in the league and deserves more attention for his hitting and fielding.

Gregorius has been incredible at the plate since his three-hit game against the Minnesota Twins on July 18. He registered at least one hit in the following five games of the road trip, including multiple hits in four of those games.

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Over the past six games, Gregorius has gone 12-for-22 (.545) with four runs scored, three home runs, and four RBI.

Didi’s .304 average over the course of the entire season is third amongst all American League shortstops. He also ranks second with a .830 OPS and third in home runs with 14.

On top of his play at the plate, Gregorius has been nothing short of spectacular in the field.

Didi’s glove work was highlighted by a play Sunday afternoon in which he cleanly fielded a bullet right at him and threw the runner out from an almost sitting position. It showed tremendous athleticism and arm strength and highlights the great strides Gregorius has made in improving his fielding.

Gregorius hasn’t committed an error since June 23 and has totaled 14 defensive assists in the past six games.

Not only has Didi Gregorius had an A.L. Player of the Week type of week and road trip in general, but he has quietly shown that he is one of the best young players in baseball and certainly one of the top shortstops in the game today.

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The Yankees will need Gregorius to continue to produce at a high clip if they are going to make a run at a postseason berth.

If the past two series with the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners are any indication of what’s to come, there’s no reason why he can’t do just that.

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