Didi passes playoff test with ease
HOUSTON — Even before this unexpected October run by the Yankees, Didi Gregorius had exceeded almost all expectations since being tabbed as Derek Jeter’s replacement at shortstop.
In three seasons in The Bronx, Gregorius’ numbers at the plate have improved and he’s been more than solid in the field.
But it wasn’t until the past two weeks that the Yankees were sure the 27-yearold could deliver in the playoffs.
“Did we want to know how he was gonna play on the biggest stage? Of course we did,” said Yankees vice president of baseball operations Tim Naehring, who was instrumental in the team trading for Gregorius before the 2015 season following Jeter’s retirement. “We want to see if guys have the ability to slow the game down.”
Taking Jeter’s spot brought enough of a spotlight. October, though, is something different.
“You never know who’s gonna do what at this time of year, regardless of their accomplishments in the regular season,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said. “You give guys opportunities and see how they take advantage of it. He’s done everything we could possibly ask and then some.’’
Heading into Friday’s Game 6 of the ALCS against the Astros, Gregorius is 11for-40 with six runs, a double, a triple, three homers and seven RBIs.
Only Greg Bird has a higher OPS on the Yankees than Gregorius’ .958 this postseason and he has become the everyday cleanup hitter, behind Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez.
“He’s already lived up to whatever ceiling we put on him,’’ Cashman said. “We’re not putting any limits on what he can do.’’