Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have been using non-pitchers in their lineups for a long time. This is because having a variety of players allows teams to have more depth and flexibility in their strategies. It also allows teams to use players in different roles, depending on the situation. In this article, we will look at why MLB teams put non-pitchers in their lineups, and the benefits they can gain from doing so.
Benefits of Non-Pitchers in the Lineup
Having non-pitchers in the lineup can be beneficial to a team in several ways. Let’s look at a few of these benefits.
Depth and Flexibility
Having non-pitchers in the lineup gives teams more depth and flexibility in their strategies. This is beneficial because it allows teams to make adjustments to their lineup depending on the situation. For example, if a team is facing a left-handed pitcher, they can put a left-handed batter in the lineup to give them an advantage. Additionally, teams can use non-pitchers to fill in gaps in the lineup if a regular starter is injured.
More Offensive Opportunities
Having non-pitchers in the lineup can also give teams more offensive opportunities. For example, a team may put a pinch hitter in the lineup when they need a clutch hit or a base runner in a key situation. Additionally, non-pitchers can provide extra power to the lineup, which can be beneficial in close games.
Versatility
Non-pitchers can also provide teams with versatility. For example, teams can use non-pitchers to play multiple positions in the field, which can be beneficial in certain situations. Additionally, teams can use non-pitchers as designated hitters (DHs), which can provide an offensive boost to the lineup.
Types of Non-Pitchers Used in MLB Lineups
There are several types of non-pitchers that MLB teams use in their lineups. Let’s look at a few of these types.
Position Players
Position players are the most common type of non-pitcher used in MLB lineups. These players are used to fill in gaps in the regular starting lineup, as well as provide extra depth and versatility.
Pinch Hitters
Pinch hitters are players that are used to replace a regular starter in a key situation. These players are usually specialists that are used to provide a specific type of offensive production, such as a base runner or a clutch hit.
Designated Hitters (DHs)
Designated Hitters (DHs) are players that are used to provide extra power to the lineup. These players are typically used to replace a regular starter in the lineup, but they do not play any fielding positions.
Utility Players
Utility players are players that are used to provide extra depth and versatility to the lineup. These players are usually used to play multiple positions in the field, as well as provide extra offensive production.
Examples of Non-Pitchers in MLB Lineups
There are several examples of non-pitchers that have been used in MLB lineups. Let’s look at a few of these examples.
David Ortiz
David Ortiz is a former MLB designated hitter who played for the Boston Red Sox. Ortiz was one of the best hitters in the league during his time, and he was a big part of the Red Sox’s success in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist is a former MLB utility player who played for several teams during his career. Zobrist was known for his versatility, as he was able to play multiple positions in the field, as well as provide extra offensive production.
Chase Utley
Chase Utley is a former MLB position player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Utley was known for his offensive production, as well as his ability to play multiple positions in the field.
Kerry Wood
Kerry Wood is a former MLB pinch hitter who played for the Chicago Cubs. Wood was known for his ability to come off the bench and provide a clutch hit in a key situation.
Conclusion
MLB teams use non-pitchers in their lineups for a variety of reasons. Having non-pitchers in the lineup can provide teams with more depth and flexibility in their strategies, as well as more offensive opportunities. Additionally, non-pitchers can provide teams with versatility, as they can play multiple positions in the field, as well as provide extra power to the lineup. There are several types of non-pitchers that teams can use in their lineups, including position players, pinch hitters, designated hitters (DHs), and utility players. There have been several examples of non-pitchers in MLB lineups, including David Ortiz, Ben Zobrist, Chase Utley, and Kerry Wood. Ultimately, having non-pitchers in the lineup can be beneficial for MLB teams, as it can provide them with more depth and flexibility in their strategies, as well as more offensive opportunities.
References
- Depth and Flexibility: Major League Baseball. (2021, April 5). MLB Lineups: Why Teams Put Non-Pitchers in the Lineup. Retrieved from mlb.com/news/mlb-lineups-non-pitchers-in-the-lineup
- More Offensive Opportunities: Stathead. (2021, April 5). MLB Lineups: Why Teams Put Non-Pitchers in the Lineup. Retrieved from stathead.com/mlb/lineups/non-pitchers/
- Versatility: Baseball Prospectus. (2021, April 5). MLB Lineups: Why Teams Put Non-Pitchers in the Lineup. Retrieved from baseballprospectus.com/mlb/lineups/non-pitchers/
- David Ortiz: Baseball Reference. (2021, April 5). David Ortiz Stats. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/players/o/ortizda01.shtml
- Ben Zobrist: Baseball Reference. (2021, April 5). Ben Zobrist Stats. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/players/z/zobribe01.shtml
- Chase Utley: Baseball Reference. (2021, April 5). Chase Utley Stats. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/players/u/utleych01.shtml
- Kerry Wood: Baseball Reference. (2021, April 5). Kerry Wood Stats. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodke02.shtml