By Eric Stock
ST. LOUIS – It’s possible nobody was more disappointed to see the arrival of the Major League All-Star Break than St. Louis Cardinal rookie and former Illinois State Redbird Paul DeJong.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, DeJong became the first rookie in Major League Baseball’s modern era to record more than six extra-base hits in a three-game series. He finished 9 for 12 in the series with three home runs and four doubles.
He enters the break batting .313 with nine home runs and 20 RBIs in 36 games since his call up from the AAA Memphis.
Many might be surprised by the rookie’s impact, but not DeJong himself.
“I think the reason I ascended so quickly in the Minors is my ability to compartmentalize 0-for-4 days and just flush it and come back to the park they next day and heave the clean purpose and routine you have to stick to,” DeJong told Illinois Radio Network.
DeJong, 23, has impressed his teammates with how quickly he has adapted, including veteran starting pitcher Adam Wainwright.
“I saw something great in Paul in spring training and I figured I thought this guy was going to be a star player,” Wainwright said. “He’s one or two more adjustments from being an all-star caliber player for a long time.”
DeJong was on the fast track to the Majors after being drafted in the fourth round in 2015. He has used his versatility to stay in the Majors, starting 19 games at second base and 14 at shortstop. The demotion of shortstop Aledmys Diaz and injury to Kolton Wong has solidified his role with the club.
DeJong said he didn’t face a dramatic adjustment when he was called up to the Majors.
“Most of it has been off the field, all the first-class service and all the amenities and the attention I’ve been getting,” DeJong said. “In between the lines I like to think it’s pretty similar just a higher level of play.”
DeJong said he wants to improve on his consistency.
“It’s been up and down,” DeJong said. “I think I can be more consistent. That’s what I am striving for everyday. That’s just baseball. You are going to have your ups and downs, you have to keep an even keel as much as possible.”
The Cardinals are tied with the Chicago Cubs for second place in the National League Central, 5.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cards open the second half of the season Friday at Pittsburgh.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
