Colorado Rockies second basemen DJ LeMahieu is arguably the most stable and flexible hitter the Rockies have at their disposal, and this year his consistency is once again among the best in the game.
LeMahieu has bounced around the lineup all season long, yet with the constant movement he currently boasts the 11th best batting average in the National League at .318.
He has hit leadoff, second, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth at points during this season.
LeMahieu spoke earlier in the year about if the fluctuation in the lineup is something he takes into account during the duration of a season.
“No, I’ve bounced around my whole career, all over the lineup,” LeMahieu said. “That’s just kind of what I’m used to.”
Although he was an All-Star in 2015, LeMahieu tends to fly under the radar because his production is consistent and to the point. His simple style of play is something the Rockies have taken full advantage of; however, they do not take it for granted.
“He’s just a good player that keeps getting better and better,” said Manager Walt Weiss. “I’ve always felt that even when he first got to the big leagues I thought the offense was going to come because he worked so hard. He’s got a great feel for the game, makes adjustments well, just a good player — tough out, good hitter, great defender, good all around.”
LeMahieu has been on fire lately, posting a batting average of .375 and owning an OPS of 1.010 in his last 11 games played. He’s hit safely in every game during that stretch.
The spark is something manager Walt Wiess is extremely happy to see.
“He continues to grow as a hitter.” said Weiss. “I always felt like he would because of his instincts, his baseball IQ, his feel for the game, his ability to make adjustments, work ethic, all those things … He has become a very good offensive player, multidimensional.”
In addition to his solid all-around performance, he has seemed to really find a groove hitting in the two slot.
When hitting second, LeMahieu owns a batting average of .357 with an OBP of .438.
LeMahieu has ranked among the best second basemen thus far, ranking third in the National League in batting average, third in OBP, and second in doubles.
His consistency on both ends of the spectrum is what makes DJ LeMahieu one of the best and most underrated players in the game today.