In 13 games, Wong nets rookie award for May
Second baseman posted .333 average since recall from Triple-A
ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong was named the winner of the National League Rookie of the Month Award for May on Tuesday.
Since being recalled from Triple-A on May 14, Wong has found the success that the Cardinals thought he could bring when he made the Opening Day roster, only to be sent down April 27 to work on his game.
"I need to make sure whenever I get on base, I need to go first to third or first to home," Wong said Tuesday. "I need to try to steal bases. I need to do whatever I can to help us get some runs."
Though he only appeared in 13 Major League games over the month, Wong made them count with a .333 batting average -- highest among NL rookies with 40-plus plate appearances in May. Wong collected hits in his first eight games back in the Majors and has taken over the No. 2 spot in the Cardinals' lineup.
Wong ranked second among NL rookies in doubles (four) and stolen bases (five), third in hits (16), tied for third with six RBIs and seven runs scored (seven) and sixth in on-base percentage (.418).
The infielder set a career high with four hits (including his first career triple) on May 28 against the Yankees.
It is Wong's first career monthly honor, and he becomes the first Cardinals player to earn the award since infielder Brian Barden in April 2009.