Ned Yost to bat Alcides Escobar second, won’t ‘disrupt my whole lineup’

Alcides Escobar was one of the worst every-day hitters in baseball in 2013. We can debate his ranking on that ignominious list, but he earned his spot with distinction.

For example:

1. His .559 on-base plus slugging percentage was the lowest among players who qualified for the batting title.

2. His 49 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) was the worst among players who qualified for the batting title.

3. His .259 on-base percentage was the worst among players who qualified for the batting title.

None of these things are good. Escobar is a terrific defender. He is, at best, a below-average hitter.

So why is he batting second in the Royals lineup?

His placement revolves around Omar Infante’s health. Manager Ned Yost considers Infante his No. 2 hitter. But with Infante out, nursing a bone spur in his elbow, Yost inserted Escobar into his place. At first, Yost said, that was to get him more at-bats, as Escobar missed time because of shoulder inflammation.

But now, Yost explained on Friday afternoon, he is using Escobar in that spot because he does not want to upset his prearranged batting order.

Earlier this spring, when asked what he seeks in a No. 2 hitter, he mentioned the importance of on-base percentage. A reporter reminded him of this point on Friday, in reference to Escobar’s struggles with that skill.

“I understand,” Yost said. “But I’m not going to disrupt my whole lineup when Omar Infante fits that spot. I’ve got my guys lined up, where I want them.”

Yost considers it critical to keep Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Salvador Perez and Mike Moustakas (his No. 3 through No. 7 hitters) in the same place. Gordon led off for much of 2013, but Yost does not want to repeat that. He has repeatedly stressed the importance of lineup continuity.

To maintain continuity, he is willing to give one of baseball’s worst hitters last season more at-bats.

And here is the lineup for Friday’s game against the Brewers, with Jason Vargas on the mound:

1. Nori Aoki, RF.

2. Alcides Escobar, SS.

3. Eric Hosmer, 1B.

4. Billy Butler, DH.

5. Alex Gordon, LF.

6. Salvador Perez, C.

7. Mike Moustakas, 3B.

8. Lorenzo Cain, CF.

9. Pedro Ciriaco, 2B.

This story was originally published March 28, 2014 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Ned Yost to bat Alcides Escobar second, won’t ‘disrupt my whole lineup’."