Phillies: 3 players who have impressed, 2 who have not

Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius has a hit in every game so far.

If there were one word to describe how 10-year veteran Didi Gregorius has started his second year in red pinstripes, it would surely be clutch.

The 31-year-old shortstop has proven a knack for coming up big when his team needs him the most. His play in every facet of the game has also been a key reason why the Phillies have been able to jump out to an early lead in the National League East — and will remain so if the team hopes to maintain it.

While his .294 batting average might seem “par for the course for him,” Gregorius has come up big with a couple of crucial hits this season — including a three-run shot in the fourth inning of Sunday night’s game against the rival Atlanta Braves to give the Phillies the lead.

Gregorius is not just making an impact with his bat. Didi also made what could very well go on to be the catch of the year on Opening Day against Atlanta. Even more impressive than the catch itself? It came at the perfect time. Gregorius made the save with two outs in the top of the ninth inning as the Phillies were locked in a 2-2 tie. The Phillies would later walk off and win in extra innings.

Didi has been coming up big on what feels like a nightly basis for the Phillies. The more he plays, the more it looks like his two-year contract was an absolute steal for Philadelphia instead of signing other players, such as Andrelton Simmons, on a one-year pact.