First two games show how new manager Derek Shelton views lineup construction
BALTIMORE — As he thought about the lineups he would like to assemble once the regular season began this spring, Derek Shelton knew one thing for sure: He wanted Byron Buxton hitting second. Buxton primarily led off last season, but Shelton wanted to move away from that and spoke with the center fielder at length about the switch. “We’re going to try to create as many runs as possible,” the manager said.
“He hit 35 homers last year with 83 RBIs. So, I think, if we can try to create more RBI, run-scoring opportunities for our offense, I think that’s important. ” Luke Keaschall, Shelton said in the final days of spring training, would hit first or third.
Otherwise, Shelton didn’t tip his hand too much on lineup construction this spring. Now that the season has begun, the first two games of the season have offered a glimpse at what the manager is thinking as the Twins faced a left-hander on Thursday and a righty on Saturday. The lineup, Shelton is quick to say, is very fluid.
“When guys play well or don’t play well, you don’t just get to continue to do it,” Shelton said. “It’s the big leagues and we may have to adjust off that. Once we get to that point, we will.
” Against the southpaw, Trevor Rogers, Shelton rolled with Austin Martin at leadoff — in the final two months of last season, Martin got on base at a . 374 clip — followed by Buxton and Keaschall. He followed with catcher Ryan Jeffers, right fielder Matt Wallner, the only left-handed hitter in the lineup, and Josh Bell at designated hitter.