On Sept. 10, Grisham, whom the Brewers drafted with the 15th pick in the 2015 Major League Draft, tied the team record for most hits in a game for a rookie with five, helping the Brewers beat the Miami Marlins 8-3.

In three games against the Pirates this past weekend, Grisham finished 4-for-7 with a triple, a home run and drove in six runs.

“He’s been a pleasant surprise,” Counsell said. “Obviously, coming into the season he’s probably not what we thought, but you need surprises and he’s been one of those guys that has been a pleasant surprise.

“The most you can ask of a young guy is to be yourself and I think Trent has a pretty good handle on that,” Counsell added.

While some younger players might feel nervous leading off, Grisham said he has been waiting to show what he can do.

“That’s what I’ve done pretty much my whole career,” Grisham said about being at the top of the lineup. “I didn’t really feel much pressure because I’m more accustomed to it. But it was nice that the manager gave me the nod.”

Grisham will have plenty more opportunities to impress his boss with the Brewers heading into the final week of the season and closing in on a second straight playoff berth.