Ever since the Cleveland Guardians moved shortstop Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez has moved up into the two-hole. Gimenez has struggled to produce batting second, will he be able to figure it out when his team needs him the most? Rosario was a solid two-hitter for the Guardians.
What Happened To Andres?
He was a streaky hitter who chased a lot of pitches, but he produced when he got hot. Cleveland needed someone to step up and take his place after they shipped him off to the Dodgers last week. Is that someone Andres Gimenez?
Gimenez is someone who sees a lot of pitches every at-bat. He can also make great contact with the ball. Andres is not much of a power guy, but he can go yard on occasion. That is all you could ask for in your two-hole batter. Fans begged manager Terry Francona to put Gimenez in the two-hole earlier this season, and now they are finally getting it. It has not been going how many thought it would. Gimenez is struggling badly.
The Cleveland Guardians are willing to give him some more time to see if he can be effective in that slot. On the other hand, don’t be surprised if we start seeing Will Brennan or Tyler Freemen in that slot soon. It has been five games since Gimenez was moved up in the batting order. He has a slash line of .100/.217/.150 over 23 appearances according to SportsIllustrated.com.
A Change Needed?
He has only recorded two hits, and his strikeout rate is at a concerning 39.1%. This is not what a good two-hole hitter’s numbers look like. His job is to get on base so the big bats can get to work. Bats like Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor. If there isn’t anyone on base for those guys when they get up it makes their jobs ten times harder.
The Cleveland Guardians have a surplus of young talent down in the minors, if they can not find a suitable two-hole hitter on the major league roster then it might be time to make some calls to Triple-A Columbus.
Cleveland has had a very bad season this year. Barley ever above .500 and only holding a diction lead for a day. This is far from the team that shocked the world last season. It is not too late for Cleveland to slip into the playoffs but they need to get it together right now. It will be an interesting rest of the season.
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Amanda Lynne