Paul DeJong Makes History Against New York Mets on Monday

St. Louis Cardinals middle infielder Paul DeJong smoked a two-run home run off of New York Mets starting pitcher in the sixth inning of Monday's 6-3 victory.

DeJong has now hit 10 home runs over 40 career major league games but made history Monday as the first person to homer in each of his first four games against the Mets, per the Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN.com). He also joined the ranks of just Jay Gibbons and Trevor Story as one of three rookies (since 1900) to homer in his first four games against any team.

Last year's breakout shortstop for the Cardinals, Aledmys Diaz, was optioned to the team's Triple-A affiliate to work out kinks in his swing, opening the door for DeJong's promotion. Given the way the 23-year-old has performed since his first promotion, it may be difficult for the club to send him back to the minors.

The biggest downfall to DeJong's game has come in the form of his strikeout and walk rates. Over the 40 contests, the slugging infielder has struck out at just over a 30 percent clip and has only walked 2.7 percent of the time. DeJong has struck out seven times in just his last three games.

Whether or not his stay with the big club lasts, Dejong has had a solid first dip in the major league ranks. Still early in his career, there should be a future for him among the Cardinals infield, but there's no guarantee he won't remain at the level the rest of the way.

DeJong and the Cardinals will take the field Tuesday evening sitting just 5.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the National League Central. With the trade deadline nearing, the club will need to decide whether it's a buyer or seller, and the Cardinals' performance and position over the next couple of weeks should help determine that.