Matt Wallner has exactly one at bat for the Twins since getting called up this past weekend despite the Twins offense’s struggles at the plate this season.
Wallner has raked this season for the Triple-A Saints, hitting .291/.403/.524 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI in 67 games. That production would seemingly be a boost for an offense that ranks 21st in runs scored per game (4.27).
Here we are though with just the one plate appearance, an eighth inning strikeout in Monday’s 7-6 loss in Seattle. So, what gives?
“We have a glut of left-handed-hitting outfielders,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “Kep’s been playing pretty good out there. He’s doing a good job, and there’s only so many spots on the field, unfortunately, right now.”
The Phillies were worried about all their lefties, five total including two outfielders, when they were beating the Padres 7-6 on Sunday.
As for competition ahead of Wallner playing well, you be the judge:
Max Kepler .214/.283/.418, 13HR, 33RBI
Joey Gallo .188/.309/.483, 17HR, 31RBI
Outside of playing Wallner in a corner outfield role, there is also the option of DH which is being wasted on Byron Buxton at the moment.
Byron Buxton .196/.285/.409, 15HR, 36RBI
Buxton is 0-21 in his last five games, including an 0-5 in Monday night’s loss where he struck out three times. The 29-year old outfielder designated hitter has struck out 13 times in his last 23 at-bats.
“It’s just a very difficult spot to be in, because not only do we have one too many, you could almost argue that we have two too many left-handed-hitting outfielders,” continued Baldelli.
The more difficult decision would appear to be which unproductive bat to replace in the lineup.
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