Urshela had developed a reputation across parts of three major league seasons as a strong defender with a weak bat. But after a minor league trade from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Yankees last August, he revamped his swing with help from the Yankees’ Class AAA hitting coach, Phil Plantier. Urshela, who was re-signed this winter on a minor league deal, has had many hitting coaches throughout three major league organizations, but Plantier’s words about using his legs resonated.

“That’s where you get the power to drive the ball,” said Urshela, who has also lowered his hands and abbreviated the leg kick in his swing.

Despite being an aggressive swinger, Urshela’s ability to make better contact has led to this: a .335 average through Wednesday with a .964 on-base-plus-slugging-percentage that is the highest mark on a team loaded with power hitters. Thanks to a torrid stretch last week in which he smashed six home runs despite missing two games with bruised legs, Urshela extended his season total to 18. Before this season, his career total was eight.

“He’s been not a good but a great player for us all around,” said Yankees Manager Aaron Boone, adding later, “It’s a tribute to him, his talent, his ability to grow in this game, his ability to make adjustments.”