In Photos: Alex Verdugo's touching birthday surprise for mama Shelly at Yankee Stadium melts hearts

On Sunday, Alex Verdugo went 2-for-4 with two-run contributions in the New York Yankees' final game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won the game 6-4, saving themselves from a sweep and bringing their season record to 46-21 (best in the American League).

Verdugo made the day even more special by surprising his mother, Shelly Verdugo. She attended the game to support her son, unaware of his plan. With the help of Yankee management, Verdugo wished his mother a happy birthday before the game started.

“Happy Birthday Mom! Love, Alex Verdugo.”

His birthday message was screened at Yankee Stadium, and Shelly waved back to her son with a big smile. Fans also joined the occasion by giving her a huge round of applause. After the game, Shelly and her son were snapped in their pinstripe jerseys.

The Yankees acquired Alex Verdugo in a trade deal with the Boston Red Sox, and this season he has been their everyday left fielder. Verdugo has scored 34 RBIs, 31 runs and eight home runs in 64 games with a stat line of .261/.317/.432. He has maintained a .748 OPS, making him one of the dependable sluggers for the Yankees this season.

He signed a $8.7 million contract with the club, avoiding arbitration. He is set to become a free agent next season if the Bronx Bombers don’t offer him an extension by the end of the season.

Alex Verdugo recalled the emotional exchange with his mom Shelly after her cancer diagnosis

In an interview on Mother’s Day, new Yankees member Alex Verdugo shared a heartfelt memory with his mother, Shelly. She was recovering from a breast cancer diagnosis then.

Verdugo made a custom necklace for his mom, using pink breast cancer ribbons with hearts in between. Shelly burst into tears after receiving her son’s gift, and so did Alex, whose voice became numb while talking about the moment.

"For me, she is just the woman that, you know I wouldn't be here without her. She puts others before herself. ... I think seeing her do that and being the person that she is just makes me wanna be a better person,” said Verdugo.

"My mom got diagnosed with cancer and for me, it was just, I am already big into jewelry. I have a necklace that was made basically with the breast cancer ribbons pink and then with hearts in between. I told my mom when you beat cancer because I know you will, this is your chain. I saw her tear up when I told her, she cried and I feel like it's just little things man, little things go a long way."

Verdugo is focused on keeping his game sharp to help his club end their World Series drought. The Yankees will travel to Kansas City on Monday to face the Royals in a four-game series.