Lineup Analysis: AL Edition

Note: Greeting from Denver as the FanGraphs writers travel here for the weekend. These reports aren’t as detailed as normal as beer and a whiffle ball game call.

Angels

• It’s set with the top. The bottom is a complete mess with Luis Valbuena getting the most consistent playing time.

Astros

• It’s also set at the top with two outfield platoons. Josh Reddick and Tony Kemp face righties and Marwin Gonzalez and Jake Marisnick face lefties.

Athletics

• Mark Canha has started 11 straight games since Matt Chapman went on the DL. Canha normally will only face lefties who he’s owned with a .297/.333/.635 triple line this season.
• Franklin Barreto is playing second base in half of the team’s games.

Blue Jays

• The Jays have noticed that Kendrys Morales heated up over the last 28 days (.329/.367/.548) and is now batting cleanup.
• They have one extra outfielder/first baseman/designated hitter so one of Morales, Teoscar Hernandez, Randal Grichuk, Curtis Granderson, and Justin Smoak sits every day. It’s usually Granderson on the bench against lefties.

Indians

• Steady at the top with Brandon Guyer, Lonnie Chisenhall, Tyler Naquin, and Rajai Davis sharing two outfield spots.

Mariners

• With Dee Gordon staying at second base, center field is normally manned by Guillermo Heredia with Mitch Haniger playing there sometimes.

Rays

• Kevin Kiermaier’s return has pushed Mallex Smith to left field with the right fielder changing daily.
• C.J. Cron has struggled (.167/.309/.385) over the last 28 days and has been moved down the lineup.

Orioles

• Some turmoil as Chris Davis heads to the bench and the last few games have been in a National League park so no designated hitter. Even with Davis riding-the-pine-for-nine, they have too many outfielder/first baseman/third base/designated hitters. Two of Jace Peterson, Danny Valencia, Colby Rasmus, Trey Mancini, and Craig Gentry must sit every game

Rangers

• A shakeup with Elvis Andrus coming off the DL. Delino DeShields is now hitting last. Jurickson Profar has played each day since Andrus returned with Rougned Odor sitting twice. Odor and his .226/.303/.335 may be headed permanently to the bench.
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa may be a must add in two-catcher leagues as he attempts a transition to catcher.

Red Sox

• None.

Tigers

• None.

T-Bones

• No major league lineup here.
• Since Jorge Soler is out with an injured toe. Paulo Orlando, Abraham Almonte, and Rosell Herrera have been rotating through the outfield.

Twins

• Joe Mauer is leading off since returning from the disabled list.
• Logan Morrison is the designated hitter with Miguel Sano demoted to A-ball.

White Sox

• Daniel Palka has been batting cleanup.

Yankees

• Gleyber Torres has hit fifth or sixth the last few games instead of ninth. This move is a nice boost in his value with the extra plate appearances and RBI chances.
• Clint Frazier has started the last three games with Brett Gardner out. Gardner will get his job back when he returns but don’t be surprised if Frazier takes the full-time role if Gardner struggles. They are both projected for similar wOBA (.324 Gardner, .322 Frazier). This could also be a showcase of Frazier to trade him and then Gardner retakes the role.