Didi Gregorius has struggled mightily of late, gradually deteriorating what has been his first stellar season with the New York Yankees.
Remember when Didi Gregorius was suddenly the New York Yankees’ cleanup hitter following the trade deadline firesale? A brilliant second season in pinstripes ultimately rewarded with a promotion that would go a long way towards the team’s August and early-September surge.
Well, those days seem to be over … for now.
A “banged up” Gregorius is now out of the Yankee lineup for whatever reason a common fan can fathom.
Bruises in all areas can just as easily signify a desperate need for revival. A vital presence who simply needs a blow.
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The 26-year-old shortstop, who has pieced together a season among the American League’s best at his position, has struggled tremendously as of late — to say the least. Over his last seven games, he is slashing a brutal .111/.138/.222. Over a larger span of 15 games, he is slashing a dismal .197/.239/.279.
With that said, his slash of .226/.252/.403 over his last 30 games just broadens legitimacy. This man is reeling.
Throughout that time frame, Gregorius’ once-formidable batting average has dwindled from .286 to .273, falsely representing a magnificent overall campaign.
Banged up or not, his realm of .280s production must return, along with a 17 home run, 64 RBI output which has catalyzed the Yankee offense both prior and during its return to relevancy.
Has he gotten power-happy — an aspect of his game which was just recently developed this year? Have opposing pitchers caught on — and found holes — to what has been a hole-free swing for the majority of the season? Who knows.
“You’ve got a lot of ups and downs … I didn’t have any downs in the beginning. I think that everybody gets to a point. You’ve got to fight your way back out of it. That’s what I’m going to do and I’m going to try to be there for the team.” -Gregorius told Dan Martin of the NY Post
This could merely be a worn out, overtaxed Didi, which could be troubling for New York. Now, more than ever, his services are imperative.
Not only must they chalk up a series win against Los Angeles, but they need to cruise through a remaining schedule which will be ginormously implicative. Following this set, they will start the much-anticipated stretch of 17 consecutive AL East games to cap off a 162-game marathon.
Didi’s clutch factor, his eye-popping range up the middle, and his overall, now five-tool, ability is desired if the Yanks want to sniff postseason baseball. This crucial time period requires the reemergence of Gregorius.
Sure, Joe Girardi should give him a couple of days to regroup. But when push comes to shove, the Bronx Bombers need their anchor up the middle.
In any other case, they can kiss October goodbye.
