Before Saturday night’s game, the last time Jason Heyward played in St. Louis he suffered a concussion after slamming into the right-field wall just missing robbing a walk-off home run by Dexter Fowler. That capped off a sweep by the Cardinals against the Cubs and also sent Heyward to the concussion protocol.
It’s been about six weeks since then and during the eighth inning against flame-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks, Heyward once again showed why so many things have changed since he’s returned from the concussion.
The Cubs right-fielder has had a resurgence at the plate that has been highlighted by some huge hits in June. Heyward had a walk-off grand slam against a lefty on June 6, then tied a game the Cubs would eventually win earlier this week with a hit against Josh Hader and the Milwaukee Brewers.
On Saturday, Heyward turned on another fastball, jumping on the first pitch he saw from Hicks and blasting it to right field for a two-run homer.
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Deuces. #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/hCmsgGBz8l
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 17, 2018
Cubs fans certainly love that and they’ll definitely love this.
After the home run, Heyward gave a young Cubs fan something he’ll remember forever.
Jason Heyward just gave this little boy his game worn hat, how cool is this. pic.twitter.com/VAa0KJKfEO
— Drunk Rizzo™ (@DrunkRizz44) June 17, 2018
It’s always been easy to root for Jason Heyward and that’s what made his struggles offensively so hard to watch for the previous two years. Yet, things are different in 2018, and for more you should check out this article on what Heyward’s changed at the plate this season and how it’s helped him, especially turning on those inside fastballs.
In late May, Heyward moved back off the plate again and he's gone nuts since then.https://t.co/rcChGJhKG9
His hit off of Hader was on the inner third, too.
— Aaron Kennelly (@aaron_kennelly) June 17, 2018
Heyward is now up to a .269 batting average and .332 OBP, while his wRC+ is at 103. Hey, hey! Finally above 100.
It’s great to see and it couldn’t happen to a better dude. Also, isn’t it awesome to watch him smash dingers against the Cardinals in St. Louis. No more making fun of Heyward at the plate.
Dexter Fowler on the other hand…oof.