Didi Gregorius and A.J. Pollock were arguably the most crucial cogs to their respective lineups through the first month of the season, and on Wednesday, they were acknowledged for as much, as the Yankees shortstop and D-backs center fielder were named the American League and National League Players of the Month for April.
It's the first time either Gregorious or Pollock, who were once teammates in Arizona, have been recognized with the honor.
• Past winners:AL | NL
In a loaded Yankees lineup with power abound, the sweet-swinging Gregorious has been the club's most significant offensive catalyst. In April, Gregorious led the AL in homers (10), RBIs (30) and slugging (.735), while ranking second in OPS (1.156) and third in wRC+ (198). He hit .327 and walked more times (18) than he struck out.
On Monday, Gregorious was named the AL Player of the Week presented by W.B. Mason for the first time in his career.
"To be honest, I think this is one of the best months I've ever had," Gregorius said. "Consistently, I'm trying to get there, trying to keep it there. I know this game is not easy, but I try to work on it and try to get better. You've got to stay ready to hit and play the game the right way."
Pollock snuck in three homers on Monday -- the last day of April -- to become the NL's co-leader with nine, and he's since hit his 10th, off Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday. Pollock, a potential free agent following this season, has enjoyed the thrill of the 2018 campaign with the first-place D-backs, who entered Wednesday with a six-game lead in the NL West.
Over the first month, including three games in March, Pollock hit .291/.351/.670 and tallied 24 RBIs, third most in the NL, thanks in large part to his new role in the cleanup position, which has served Arizona well.
"There are stretches you go through, you see the ball well, and there are stretches that you don't," Pollock said. "I'm seeing the ball pretty well right now. I don't know. Some days, it just works."