The first time Gio Urshela played in the postseason, he was an all-field, no-hit third baseman for the Indians who went on to make two key errors in the 2017 ALDS that helped the Yankees advance.
He’s back in Cleveland for the Wild Card Series, firmly established as a stellar defender and one of the Yankees’ most consistent threats in the lineup.
Asked prior to Game 2 at Progressive Field how he’s grown since his time with the Indians, Urshela said, “I guess a lot. I feel like a different player [with a] different mentality.”
The improvements have come on both sides of the ball and persuaded the Yankees to stick with Urshela even after Miguel Andujar returned to health this season.
And he continues to impress his teammates, including DJ LeMahieu, who likened Urshela’s play at third to Nolan Arenado.
LeMahieu played with the perennial All-Star and Gold Glove-winner in Colorado before coming to The Bronx before last season.
“He’s a special defender,’’ LeMahieu said. “I’d put him in the Nolan category defensively. Offensively, it seems like he hits the ball hard every time up. He’s been big for us all year. He’s just a really good player. I really respect his game.”
It’s a long way from 2018, when Urshela was designated for assignment by the Indians and then traded to the Blue Jays in May. Later that season, Toronto shipped Urshela to the Yankees for cash considerations, about $25,000.
The investment has paid off for the Yankees.
He hit sixth in the lineup on Wednesday against Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco after hitting a double, scoring a run and driving in another in the Yankees’ Game 1 win.
He was also his usual solid self at third base.
“He’s a tremendous fielder,’’ LeMahieu said. “He makes some acrobatic plays you think he has no chance on and is consistent on balls right at him.”
Aaron Boone, who played third base throughout his career, has marveled at Urshela while managing him the last two seasons.
“He has a really strong and really accurate arm from a lot of different angles,’’ Boone said. “He has good hands. And I feel like this year, his range has ticked up. He’s special at third base. It’s fun to watch.”
And while the defensive metrics haven’t always agreed that Urshela is well above average at the position, Boone said the Yankees’ internal measurements have shown an improvement.
“He’s pretty elite over there,’’ Boone said.