WATCH: Boston Red Sox' Alex Verdugo Accomplishes This For The First Time
Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo hit the first leadoff home run of his career on Thursday afternoon.
Verdugo led off the bottom of the first inning against the Minnesota Twins' Kenta Maeda with the shot over the short wall in right field. He hit a slow breaking ball or splitter for the shot, his second of the year.
It's been an eventful week for Verdugo, who hit a walk-off double on Tuesday night against the Twins and then delivered a not-suitable-for-work postgame interview.
He really is starting to come into his own in his fourth year with the Red Sox. Acquired as the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade before the 2020 season, Verdugo is now hitting .338 with the two home runs, eight RBI and he's posted a .410 on-base percentage.
For his career, he's hitting .288 with 46 home runs and a lifetime on-base percentage of .344.
Earlier this offseason, Red Sox manager Alex Cora challenged Verdugo to be the player that he's always been capable of being. Recently, Tom Caron of NESN discussed with our own Brady Farkas how he's meeting that challenge.
His improved offense has been huge for the Red Sox, who are dealing with long-term injuries to slugging outfielder Adam Duvall and slugging shortstop Trevor Story. The latter could return by the all-star break.
His home run was also a nice birthday present to Fenway Park, which turned 111 years old today.
At the time of this posting, the Red Sox lead the Twins, 1-0, in the top of the third inning.
After this series, the Red Sox will head to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers.
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