It took him 65 games, but Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is finally on the board. Hardy belted his first home run of the season, taking a 95 MPH Jose Ramirez fastball out to left field at Yankee Stadium.
Between 2007-13, the only shortstops who out-homered Hardy (144) were Troy Tulowitzki (154) and Hanley Ramirez (161). That’s why it was such a surprise to see Hardy on such a lengthy homerless drought. His last home run, prior to Saturday afternoon, occurred on September 5, 2013 against the White Sox.
Hardy, 31, will be free agent after the season following the conclusion of a three-year, $22.25 million contract with the Orioles. He is slashing .291/.319/.368 with the one homer and 16 RBI on the season.