Sounds Like Ian Happ Will Be Platooned Against Tough Lefties Moving Forward

Craig Counsell must have been listening to Erykah Badu on Monday, because he apparently went to Jed Hoyer and said, “You better call Tyrone and tell him come on.” That would be Tyrone Taylor, the outfielder acquired from the Mets along with Clay Holmes in exchange for infield prospect Jefferson Rojas. The 32-year-old has never logged more than 405 plate appearances in a season and he’s been very much a role player in Queens, but he’ll be in the lineup Tuesday playing left field against Tarik Skubal and the Dodgers.

Counsell shared that information during a Tuesday afternoon call with Spiegel and Holmes on 104.3 The Score, saying there would be “some spots” where Ian Happ sits against left-handed pitching. Though he’s often maligned unfairly, Happ’s batting .158/.232/.298 with a 48 wRC+ in 125 PAs against southpaws this season. That isn’t going to cut it. Taylor is slashing .301/.311/.589 with a 145 wRC+ in 77 PAs against lefties, which is a huge improvement even if it’s a bit of a mirage.

At this point in the season, finding every little advantage is more important than protecting a team leader’s playing time or feelings. The same goes for pitchers who will see their workloads decreased or maybe eliminated entirely in the wake of new additions.