Alex Rodriguez coaches Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius on defense

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez gave shortstop Didi Gregorius advice about his defense before Tuesday's game.

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez helped tutor shortstop Didi Gregorius on his defense Thursday afternoon. 

Marly Rivera of ESPN Deportes reported Rodriguez worked with infield coach Joe Espada in an "extended" session with Gregorius. 

Gregorius, whose sub-par defense has drawn criticism from fans and media, has committed three errors this season after accumulating five in 67 games at shortstop last season. He has a -0.3 dWAR and -22.2 UZR/150, which ranks 42nd in the majors among shortstops. 

"There’s an adjustment period for a lot of people when they come to New York," manager Joe Girardi said on April 16, according to the New York Daily News. "It’s not the easiest position to handle either. He’s, in a sense, the captain of an infield and in charge. He has a lot of responsibilities."

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Rodriguez played shortstop from 1994 to 2003 before shifting to third base when he was traded to the Yankees. In those ten seasons he had an 8.8 dWAR.

Gregorius is scheduled to start at shortstop in Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rodriguez has the day off. 

- Dan Gartland