The Cardinals’ outfielder, an old-school type who guides the ball wherever it’s pitched and sometimes when it’s not even a strike, was hitting an even .400 at 38 for 95 since late July. He has been an integral part of the Cardinals’ lineup, especially against right-handed pitching, and has had a lot to do with the Cardinals winning 29 of their first 40 games since July 27.
“He does it differently than anybody I’ve seen,” said manager Oliver Marmol before Saturday night’s game with the Pittsburgh Pirates. “It’s just his ability to take a pitch that’s nowhere close to the zone and get (a) barrel on it.