The 23-year-old rookie's improved play led the organization ... surprising bench coach Willie Randolph, who was no slouch as a six-time All-Star at second base during his playing days.

In the case of Willie Randolph, however ... just as a guy who puts on the pinstripes and walks around with a fungo bat. Randolph was instrumental in prepping Anthony Volpe for the breakthrough ...

Randolph’s voice oozed excitement as he spent six minutes talking up Andujar, who hit his way into being voted the 2018 AL Rookie of the ... skillset because his bat path is so flexible.

Willie Randolph is “kicking around” the idea of handing Victor Diaz a first baseman’s glove to get his powerful bat in the lineup, but said he may never even approach the rookie about it.