Fate Again Smiles on Jose Iglesias As He Makes His Own Luck

The door at third base that was kicked in by Jose Iglesias was closed Friday night. As the old saying goes “When one door closes another opens”.

Jun 28, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Jose Iglesias (right) steals second base against Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Drew pulled up lame at second base Friday night with what appeared to be a hamstring injury and immediately came out of the game. And who slid into that oh so comfortable spot but Iggy with his newfound Pop. I wrote about the entire left side of the field looking over their shoulders and now fate has looked again on Iglesias in the so far magical season.

Drew has been as streaky as they coming this season. He has heated up for stretches and unfortunately cooled down for even longer stretches. That’s what’s got him batting .233 and that’s what makes him vulnerable to Iglesias’ hot play. Now it looks like John Farrell and Red Sox Nation will get a look at Iglesias in his natural element in the heat of a pennant race at least for a few games. Shades of things to come?

So what happened? Iglesias only responded by going 2-4 with a run scored as part of a 7-5 Red Sox win. It may not be Iglesias for President just yet but this story line is an incredible one to watch right now.

On Thursday night, Iglesias recorded his 50th hit of the season with a 2nd-inning single in just his 118th at-bat of 2013. Elias Sports Bureau says that since the first rookie standards were set in 1958, Iglesias’ 118 at bats are the fewest by a rookie at the time of his 50th hit in a season. The only other rookie who reached 50 hits in a season in fewer than 120 AB was MIN’s Tony Oliva in 1964 (119th AB).