PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Catchy headline, huh? But it’s the truth.
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius’ stats with the bases loaded were brought to attention during and after Wednesday’s 5-4 nerve-wracking win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
They are insane.
Gregorius hit a first inning grand slam to the right field seats at Citizens Bank Park — his eighth career slam, all of which have come since 2017.
“I just play the game and try to stay in the moment,” Gregorius told Phillies broadcasters Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen on the Phils Radio Network.
“Take it pitch by pitch. I always tell people the stats are gonna be there at the end, so just go there and play the game.”
Oh, the stats when the bags are juiced are certainly there for Sir Didi.
Heading into Thursday afternoon’s series finale between the Phillies and Brewers, Gregorius had 109 career plate appearances with the bases loaded — featuring an average of .351 (33-for-94), including 100 runs batted in, one triple, eight doubles and the eight slams.
Since 2017, he leads Major League Baseball with those eight. He also leads the majors by driving in 68 runs since that year with the bases loaded.
And per the Elias Sports Bureau, since 1900, Gregorius is one of six players with eight grand slams during seasons where they primarily play shortstop. The others are Miguel Tejada (11), Alex Rodriguez (10), Vern Stephens (10), Ernie Banks (9) and Edgar Rentería (9).
So, note to opposing pitchers — if the Phillies have two runners on base and Gregorius is on deck, best not to walk whoever is at the plate.