Having scored five runs while losing their last four games, the Royals opted for a lineup shakeup on Wednesday against the Rangers and right-hander Alexi Ogando:
1. Alex Gordon - LF
2. Melky Cabrera - CF
3. Eric Hosmer - 1B
4. Jeff Francoeur - RF
5. Billy Butler - DH
6. Wilson Betemit - 3B
7. Matt Treanor - C
8. Chris Getz - 2B
9. Alcides Escobar - SS
It seems worth a try, even though Gordon is slumping badly at the moment. Coincidence or not, he’s batting .191 in 68 at-bats since the Royals decided to shift him from left field to first base for a couple of games.
Primarily batting sixth, Hosmer is hitting .270/.349/.568 in 37 at-bats since his callup earlier this month. He did bat third once before when Gordon was getting a night off, and he homered in that one to help the Royals beat the Yankees.
The questionable choice is to bat Francoeur in the cleanup spot against a righty. He’s hitting .220 in his last 11 games and his OPS is 400 points higher against lefties this season. Butler is struggling as well, but he has a .386 OBP against righties this year, compared to Francoeur’s .323 mark. With only one major league hitter behind him, it’s hard to like his chances of scoring after a double or a walk.
