Pitchers finding it tough to retire Didi Gregorius
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius managed three hits for the second straight game Monday at Colorado. He also had a double for a second straight game and added two RBI.
Gregorius has hit safely in seven of his last eight games. He's batting .387 (12 for 31) with one triple, three doubles and five RBI in that span.
The rookie shortstop has totaled 10 multi-hit games in 22 appearances and has failed to record a hit just four times this season.
Didi Gregorius continues to make contact
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/19/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius tied a season-high with three hits, including his seventh double, Sunday at Miami. Gregorius has hit safely in six of his last seven games, batting .346 (9 for 26) with one triple, two doubles, three RBI, four runs and four walks.
Didi Gregorius having little trouble with transition
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Diamondbacks rookie shortstop Didi Gregorius has committed just one error through 74 chances and has turned seven double plays in 16 games. He's had remarkable consistency despite a revolving door of players being used at second base in Aaron Hill's absence.
"We always take a lot of ground balls. I just talk to them and tell them where I like the ball, ask them where they want the ball, where they prefer it in this situation and that situation," Gregorius said, per The Arizona Republic. "For me, it doesn’t matter who plays second base. As long as we get good communication going, it’s good."
Manager Kirk Gibson has been impressed with Gregorius' quick transition to the majors.
"He’s very good at turning double plays out there," Gibson said. "He’s got an electric arm. We’ve turned some double plays where he’s put some turbo on it. He’s got tools, he’s got abilities, he can do a lot of things for us. It’s certainly something that we need on this team."
Didi Gregorius shows quick recovery
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) After his 10-game hitting streak to open the season was halted last Wednesday, Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius has regained his standout form at the plate. Gregorius, who hit out of the No. 2 spot in the batting order for the seventh consecutive game, went 2 for 5 with a double and triple during Sunday's loss to the Phillies.
It was his first outing with multiple extra-base hits this season and stopped a brief two-game hitless slide. He is carrying a .362 batting average and .403 on-base percentage.
Didi Gregorius keeps on hitting
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius produced a season-high three hits Tuesday against the Dodgers, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. Gregorius has six multi-hit games in that span, batting .436 (17 for 39).
Gregorius also has three home runs, three RBI, four doubles and nine runs.
Didi Gregorius moves to up two-hole
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/7/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius was moved up to the No. 2 spot in the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Dodgers, despite manager Kirk Gibson saying recently that he does not want to bat the 23-year-old that high just yet.
Gregorius entered the game hitting .433 with three solo homers in 30 at-bats.
"I told you I didn't really want to do that, but I just feel the way our offense has been constructed lately we haven't gotten the production, the consistent production," Gibson said. "Little more balance in our lineup between right and left. He's young. It puts a little more pressure on him. We'll see if he can handle it. (Martin) Prado's been pushing, no doubt about it, so I just moved him down a little bit, try to get him going a little bit."
Left-hander Chris Capuano started for Los Angeles Monday night.
"We see him as an everyday player," general manager Kevin Towers said. "If you don't' see [lefties] a lot, you're not going to be comfortable up there. There will be a learning curve and I'm sure there will probably be some struggles, but I think the more he sees them the better off he's going to be."
More power on the way for Didi Gregorius?
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (5/6/2013) Coming up through the Reds' minor-league system, Didi Gregorius didn't walk much, was not a major stolen base threat and popped out a lot. So what is the all-glove, no-hit shortstop doing with a .433 batting average and three home runs in his first 30 at-bats with the Diamondbacks?
The batting average is of the sort that you often see in a small number of at-bats, and Gregorius has already struck out eight times, so that mark could plummet swiftly. The power may be legitimate, though. Gregorius is not a big-time ground ball hitter, and since reaching Triple-A last season, he has belted eight home runs in 216 at-bats at that level.
That, too, is a small sample, but at least there is some precedent for Gregorious showing some clout. Don't count on the rookie to hit for average or get on base, but if you can sacrifice either of those categories to get a little power from the shortstop position, Gregorius is worth a flyer in deeper leagues.
Didi Gregorius goes deep in first game back
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius enjoyed a solid performance in his first game back from the disabled list Sunday against the Padres.
Gregorius took starter Edison Volquez deep for a solo home run in the third inning. He finished 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI in a 5-1 defeat.
Gregorius is hitting .433/.469/.867 with three home runs and three RBI through his first 30 at-bats in the majors.
Didi Gregorius back in starting lineup
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) A day after he was activated from the seven-day disabled list following a head injury, Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius returned to the starting lineup for Sunday's game at San Diego. Gregorius settled into the No. 8 spot of the batting order in his first start since April 26 when he suffered the injury.
Didi Gregorius rejoins Diamondbacks
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) As expected, Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius was activated from the seven-day disabled list Saturday after overcoming a head injury, the team announced. Gregorius, who has a hit in all seven games with Arizona, had been out since suffering the injury April 26 against Colorado.
Didi Gregorius cleared to return Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius, on the seven-day disbaled list with a concussion, passed the necessary tests and is expected to be activated Saturday at San Diego, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Gregorius was hitting .407 with two homers and two RBI in his first 27 at-bats before landing on the DL.
Didi Gregorius could return Saturday
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius, on the seven-day disbaled list, will likely play in extended spring games on Thursday and Friday, MLB.com reports. The club hopes he will be able to return Saturday against the Padres, his first day eligible to come off the DL.
Didi Gregorius resumes baseball activities
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/30/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius resumed baseball activities Tuesday after passing all concussion tests, MLB.com reports. He was placed on the 7-day disabled list after getting hit in the head by a pitch Friday.
"He'll take ground balls, swing and do everything today except play the game," manager Kirk Gibson said. "He has passed everything he has needed to pass."
Didi Gregorius moved to 7-day DL
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) The Diamondbacks placed shortstop Didi Gregorius on the 7-day disabled list Sunday with a mild concussion, the team announced. The move is retroactive to Saturday, and Arizona activated outfielder Jason Kubel from the 15-day DL to assume his spot on the roster.
Gregorius has tallied a hit in all seven games he's played in since his promotion earlier this month for a .407 batting average. Six of his 11 hits have gone for extra bases.
Didi Gregorius not ready to return
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius remained out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Colorado as he continues to deal with a head injury. Gregorius has now missed two games in a row because of the issue and was replaced at short by Cliff Pennington.
Didi Gregorius a risky start
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Diamondbacks infielder Didi Gregorius appears to have avoided a major issue after a CT scan of his head came back negative Saturday, but the team thinks he could need a stint on the 7-day concussion disabled listed.
Gregorius will meet with team doctors likely Sunday before determining whether he needs to take time off. If Arizona does not make a public announcement Sunday, Fantasy owners who have been relying on the hot rookie might be in a tough position when deciding whether to start him for Week 5 (April 29-May 5).
Gregorius is hitting .407 in his first seven games and is owned in 31 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. Fantasy owners might want to take him out of the starting lineup heading into the Week 5 scoring period, unless we hear good news Sunday.
Didi Gregorius a candidate for 7-day DL
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius was held out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Colorado with a head injury. Gregorius suffered a contusion to the right temple of his head after being hit by a pitch Friday and is loosely considered day to day.
However, Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said after Friday's game a stint on the seven-day disabled list has not been ruled out for Gregorius. Gregorius told reporters that his CT scan came out fine, but is still dealing with some soreness. The rookie was replaced at short by Cliff Pennington Saturday.
Didi Gregorius exits after being hit in the head with a pitch
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Diamondbacks infielder Didi Gregorius was forced out of Friday's contest against the Rockies after being hit in the head with a pitch.
Gregorius took a 93 mph fastball from Rockies reliever Josh Outman to the head in the seventh inning. He immediately fell to the ground and was checked out by team trainers. Manager Kirk Gibson said that the 23-year-old underwent a written concussion test upon leaving the game and passed it "with flying colors."
"That shows he has no neurological problems," Gibson said, per MLB.com.
Gregorius, who was diagnosed with a temple contusion, is scheduled to have a CT scan and could be placed on the seven-day disabled list if he has a concussion.
Didi Gregorius not looking like a power hitter
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) Diamondbacks infielder Didi Gregorius has been a revelation early in his career, batting .389 with three multi-hit games in his first five. He has also slugged two home runs in that span, opening the possibility that the 23-year-old has some power potential.
While he has a solid pedigree as a top prospect, Gregorius has never been known for his power. Even when he jumped up to No. 80 on Baseball America's prospect ranking list this offseason, he was coming off a seven-homer season, matching his career high. He did hit six of those home runs in just 48 games, but still does not look like a guy who is going to make his name as a power hitter.
Gregorius is projected to develop into the type of hitter who can power 10-15 home runs into the seats per year, but do not be fooled by this hot start. He is probably still more of an NL-only Fantasy option.
Didi Gregorius on glorious early run
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Three up, three down for new Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius. In the first three games since his promotion from Triple-A last week, Gregorius has recorded two hits in each outing with a pair of home runs and a double.
"He sees the ball well," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said Sunday. "He has a real good approach with two outs. He's a tough out. He doesn't surprise me. We thought a lot of him obviously."
Gregorius, acquired from Cincinnati as part of a three-team trade last December, has spent two games in the No. 7 spot of the batting order and one in the eight-hole. Both of his homers have accounted for his only RBI thus far.
"I am battling every at-bat," he said. "I work each day to prepare for every game. I never give up."
Didi Gregorius goes yard again
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius continued his sizzling start as he launched his second home run of the season Sunday against the Rockies.
Gregorius took starter Juan Nicasio deep for a solo home run. He finished 2 for 4 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI in a 4-3 victory. He is hitting .545/.583/1.182 with two home runs and four RBI in 11 at-bats.
Not buying into Didi Gregorius hype
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Maybe it's the competition that brings out the best in Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius, but I've been shocked by his early success in the majors. Gregorius has always been lauded for his glove, but through his first 10 major-league games, he's batting .357 (10 for 28) with one double, one home run and three RBI.
Granted, it's a small sample size, so perhaps it's best not to put a lot of stock into Gregorius' numbers, which is the point I'm trying to make. I know Gregorius was tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A before his promotion to the majors and came into the year as a top 100 prospect by both Baseball America (No. 80) and MLB.com (No. 63), but that was largely because of his slick defensive skills. It wasn't because Gregorius was chewing up minor-league pitching. His career slash line in the minors is .267/.319/.375/.694.
I agree with my colleague, Nando Di Fino, who wrote on April 16 Gregorius is more of an NL-only Fantasy play.
Didi Gregorius homers in debut
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/18/2013) Making his season debut Thursday for the Diamondbacks, shortstop Didi Gregorius homered in his first at-bat and added a double while striking out twice in five trips to the plate. Gregorius's homer actually came on his first pitch, making an instant impression on his new team.
Gregorius should see much of the playing time at shortstop for the Diamondbacks while second baseman Aaron Hill remains out.
Didi Gregorius finally gets into lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/18/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius received his first start Thursday at N.Y. Yankees since being promoted from Triple-A Reno Tuesday after Aaron Hill was placed on the disabled list. Gregorious appeared in eight games for the Reds last season, batting .300 (6 for 20) with two RBI.
Diamondbacks could be conservative with Didi Gregorius
"We've kind of been real cautious with him," Towers said.
For now, the Diamondbacks can play Eric Chavez at third, Cliff Pennington at shortstop and Martin Prado at second, with Gregorius serving as a backup infielder. Pennington has experience at second base as well, though, and as such we could see an infield with Prado at third base (his original position this season), Pennington at second base and Gregorius starting at shortstop.
As such, it's unclear what kind of playing time to expect from Gregorius to begin his tenure in Arizona. If Eric Chavez continues to struggle (currently hitting .200/.259/.200), Gregorius's chances of playing will surely increase.
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/16/2013) With Aaron Hill going on the DL with a broken hand, the Diamondbacks will be getting a little creative with their infield, likely using Cliff Pennington and Martin Prado at second and/or third base (with Eric Chavez occasionally worked in) and starting Didi Gregorius at shortstop.
Gregorius, 23, was Arizona's main haul from this winter's Trevor Bauer/Shin-Soo Choo deal. In 1,893 minor legaue at-bats, he has a somewhat-lackluster .267 average, with relatively little to offer in the way of power (his career high is seven home runs) or steals (he stole 20 bases once, the next-highest was 11). But Gregorius has a great glove and may actually represent an improvement in the infield defense. And with the way Pete Kozma -- who hit .236 in almost 2,500 minor league at-bats -- has become a solid every-day hitter for the Cardinals, you should not count out Gregorius, who was hitting .387 with two home runs in 31 at-bats this season (and hit .300 in a short late-season stint with the Reds last year).
This is NL-only territory, but Gregorius will offer at-bats (outside of the days Chavez plays at third), and at least has a shot to do something positive as he rides a hot streak to start. He probably wasn't called up to sit on the bench, as the Diamondbacks would have been better off leaving him with regular at-bats in the minors.
Didi Gregorious promoted from Triple-A
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) The Diamondbacks recalled infielder Didi Gregorious from Triple-A Reno Tuesday after placing starting second baseman Aaron Hill on the disabled list with a broken left hand. Gregorious, who was slowed this spring by an elbow injury, was batting .387 (12 for 31) with two doubles, two home runs and two RBI in seven games for Reno.
Didi Gregorius returns to field, could be called up
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) Diamondbacks prospect Didi Gregorius returned to playing the field for Triple-A Reno on Monday night, the Arizona Republic reports. He had been limited to DH work while recovering from a UCL strain in his elbow.
With Aaron Hill a candidate to go on the disabled list, Gregorius could be called up.
He is batting .423 (11 for 26) through six games at Triple-A Reno with two solo homers.
Rain delays rehab stint for Didi Gregorius
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Diamondbacks prospect Didi Gregorius was expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno Monday but the game was postponed due to rain, MLB.com reports.
Gregorius has not been able to play the field since mid-April due to an elbow injury.
No sign of Didi Gregorius
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Despite reports that Diamondbacks infielder Didi Gregorius might begin his minor-league rehab assignment Friday for Triple-A Reno, he did not make an appearance in the team's game.
As of Friday night, the Diamondbacks have not given any indication as to why Gregorius did not make an appearance. He remains sidelined with an elbow injury until at least the middle of April.
Didi Gregorius may start rehab Friday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/5/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius (elbow), who is on the 15-day disabled list, is set to start his rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno as early as Friday, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Barring any setbacks, Gregorius could be on pace to return as early as mid-April.
Injured OF, SS making progress for Arizona
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said Wednesday he was very encouraged after watching outfielder Cody Ross (calf) and shortstop Didi Gregorious (elbow) get 15 at-bats in a simulated game Tuesday, according to The Arizona Republic.
Both players could begin rehab assignments Thursday, with Ross playing for Class A Visalia and Gregorious reporting to Triple-A Reno.
"I thought they both looked very good," Gibson said. "The big (thing) is how they feel (Thursday). Number 1, if they feel nothing, that’s a good sign. If they feel a little something, it doesn’t mean that they’re hurt still, it just means that maybe we pushed them a little too hard."
Didi Gregorius close to playing in field
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius (elbow) will hit in a simulated game Tuesday, according to MLB.com. He's hopeful he can play in the field in a minor-league game within a week.
"It's getting better and better every day, it's getting to where I want it to be," Gregorius said. "I just have to keep going forward and hopefully have no setbacks. I'm eager to play defense but I know I can't rush it. Once I get to do that, I think I'll be able to feel like myself again."
Diamondbacks place Didi Gregorius on 15-day DL
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) The Diamondbacks have placed shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius on the 15-day disabled list, the club announced.
Gregorius suffered a UCL strain in his elbow early in spring training. He is on pace to return sometime in mid-April.
Didi Gregorius could return to field by April 10
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius could return to the field between April 10 and April 12. Despite being prevented from defensive action due to a slight ulnar collateral ligament (elbow) strain, he's been getting accustomed to being a Diamondback.
"He's got a lot to learn," manager Kirk Gibson told MLB.com. "But overall, he's a good kid, he listens and he worked on a lot of things while he had the opportunity to do so, and it should work out good for us in the future."
Gregorius should make his Diamondbacks' regular-season debut at some point in 2013.
D-Backs taking cautious approach with Didi Gregorius
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius threw across the diamond for the first time as he continues to work his way back from an UCL strain in his right elbow. Gregorius could play defense in a minor-league game before the team breaks camp, according to MLB.com.
"He could at the end," manager Kirk Gibson said. "He's right on schedule. We've been very cautious with him, but he's starting to throw more and he'll probably do that again [Monday]."
Gregorius is hitting .474 with two home runs and seven RBI in 19 at-bats as a pinch-hitter in Cactus League play. Gibson wants him to reach at least 50 at-bats by the time he is back at full strength.
Didi Gregorius to start throwing
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is working his way back from an elbow injury, is expected to begin throwing over the weekend, according to MLB Network. Manager Kirk Gibson believes Gregorius should be ready to play shortstop by mid-April.
Didi Gregorius returns to lineup with home run
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius returned to the starting lineup as a designated hitter Saturday against the Padres in Cactus League play. Gregorius, who is working his way back from an elbow injury, came up big with a three-run homer in the ninth inning. He was 2 for 3 with a walk and three RBI in a 10-6 loss.
Didi 'swinging the bat good'
(3/11/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius remained limited to pinch-hitting duties in Monday's Cactus League game against the Cubs as he continues to deal with an elbow injury. He came on in the fifth inning and launched a solo homer off starter Jeff Samardzija for his first long ball of the spring. "He's been swinging the bat good," Gibson said. "He's been getting a lot of work on a back field. Very coachable."
Gregorius seeing time at DH
(3/9/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop Didi Gregorius served as DH for the second time this spring in Saturday's Cactus League game against the White Sox. He hit a sac fly in his lone at-bat in the 11-9 win. Gregorius has gone 1 for 4 (.250) so far this spring.
Gregorius playing catch-up
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/2/2013) Diamondbacks shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius played catch Saturday for the first time since being shut down with an elbow injury last month, MLB.com reports. Gregorius, acquired by Arizona as part of a three-team deal during the offseason, was diagnosed with a slight UCL strain in his right elbow. He first experienced discomfort in his throwing elbow in late December. "He's worked out a ton, worked on his running," manager Kirk Gibson said. "In the end we're being overly cautious because we don't want to take any chances with it. Everything has been outstanding to this point."
Gregorius has UCL strain
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/12/2013) MLB.com reports Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said shortstop Didi Gregorius has a slight UCL strain in his right elbow. However, the injury won't require surgery. "If there’s going to be a strain, it’s the right area to have a strain," Towers said. "He's probably two weeks away from starting a throwing program and probably starting to hit off a tee. He doesn't need Tommy John, doesn't need to be surgically repaired. Nothing we're overly concerned about, but just with a new player here and with no history with the player, just trying to err on the side of being cautious, if anything."
