NY Post · Apr 27, 2017
Brett Gardner’s struggles go deeper than collision aftershock
BOSTON — Brett Gardner and Joe Girardi were both asked Wednesday whether the left fielder’s struggles at the plate could be traced to the nasty collision at first base with Tampa Bay’s Rickie Weeks Jr. on April 12.
Both said it was a possibility, but Gardner’s woes began much before then. The left fielder admitted if he wants to remain at the top of the lineup — where he was again Wednesday — his recent play will have to improve.
“We haven’t discussed it, but I know I need to do better than hit .200,” said Gardner, who entered Wednesday’s game hitting .182. “It’s up to [Girardi] to tell me where to hit. I have to get on base more to stay there.”