Miami Marlins lineup features interesting wrinkle

Trying to generate more runs, for the 5th time in franchise history the Miami Marlins lineup feature a wrinkle the rest of the week.

The Miami Marlins lineup has been in desperate need of a spark leading to consistency. So in Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals, Don Mattingly has decided to bat the pitcher eighth.

This will obviously lead you to question who’s batting ninth and why? Well, Dee Gordon is, and it makes perfectly good sense.

Gordon, hasn’t been terrible this season, but has not lived up to the expectations the Marlins have for him. He’s also not looking at enough pitches or getting on base enough.

As badly as you want him in the leadoff spot, he’s just not producing enough to be there right now. J.T. Realmuto on the other hand is having a great season.

He’s slashing .317/.360/.442, heads over heels better than Gordon right now. You’re losing speed, but not too much as Realmuto is known for being athletic but you gain better at bats in a critical spot.

The Impact.

Batting seventh, Realmuto didn’t have the protection behind him that Gordon did, and Realmuto still managed to get on base more. In a league where productivity is key, this move had to be made because of the numbers.

Not all is lost with Gordon though. Batting him in the ninth spot is intriguing and could prove extremely beneficial. In the American League you often see speedy, leadoff type guys at the bottom of the order.

This is so you can roll over the lineup with some speed when the time comes. Gordon doesn’t have to go up trying to work the pitcher at ninth in the lineup. His job will be to get on base by any means. His job is to set the stage for the top of the lineup.

It’s a move that benefits both hitters involved, and the team as well. This move also depends on the productivity. If nothing comes out of this move but the same old then it’ll probably be broken up quickly.

Having the pitcher one spot closer doesn’t make many people excited. Especially when the Marlins pitchers aren’t exactly Babe Ruth.

Something needed to be done though, and shaking up of the lineup makes sense and is done with reason. This move will make Mattingly look like a genius if it works.

Next: Miami Marlins option Adam Conley to Triple-A New Orleans

If it doesn’t, nothing will come from it because it’s done to help productivity. Something that has been lacking.