The San Diego Padres made a tough decision involving Gavin Sheets and the amount of playing time he will receive moving forward. The sudden loss of at-bats by one of the team’s top run-producers might have raised a few eyebrows among the Friar Faithful.
Sheets the odd man out of the mix
The trade deadline acquisition of Ramon Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles has limited Padres manager Mike Shildt’s ability to get creative with the batting lineup. Since they arrived in San Diego, Sheets has seen little action in games.
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The issue is having two left-handed designated hitters who provide little defensive coverage in the outfield. Sheets was not going to displace Laureano as the everyday leftfielder. Thus, the math does not work, as you’re dividing two players with the same skillset into the lone position remaining in the lineup. Sheets is the odd man out with only three at-bats since July 31st.
A manager can’t keep everyone happy during a season. Someone will be left out in the cold in terms of playing time. Shildt shocked the Friar Faithful by inserting Sheets into the lineup as the leftfielder. Initially, the risk paid off, as he proved to be a plus defender in the field. But the long-term goal was to acquire a more all-around outfielder before the trade deadline expired.
O’Hearn’s run-producing potential is enticing
The team’s decision might not be fair, as Sheets is batting .247 with 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, and a .731 OPS this season. However, you cannot argue about inserting O’Hearn into the lineup. He has proven to be one of the most feared power hitters in the majors. O’Hearn is hitting .278 with 14 HRs, 45 RBIs, and .836 OPS in 101 games.
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At 65-52, the Friars are in a battle with the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds for the final two wildcard berths. The Padres felt it was necessary to improve their lineup, which would put them ahead of their competitors in the chase.
Sheets may have to make the most of his opportunities to get more playing time. He must keep himself engaged and be ready when called upon. His role is to be the top LH pitch-hitter late in games and the occasional starter at first base when Luis Arraez needs a day off.
Contributing to claiming a postseason berth would be a nice finish to a strange season.