I imagine the front office think Meyers and McCormick are better than Straw, which is why they made the trade. It's the only way either one would get regular playing time with Dusty
Pure speculation on my part, but all the additional rest only makes sense with the following assumptions. 1) We will win the division outright despite maybe losing a few extra games 2) The extra rest will make us better and healthier in the playoffs While 2) is probably true, 1) is gamble, to be sure. One that if your right, you will be somewhat better. But if your wrong, your subject to the wildcard where things may not go your way.
Nobody should have any problems with the rest… especially if the players themselves are on board and feel more refreshed/improved during the grind that is the season. It is, however, valid to question lineup sequencing or just outright decisions…. Like when Dusty would have Straw bat leadoff when Altuve rested. Naturally he has McCormick bat leadoff now; neither one is good enough to warrant the most AB’s during a game. Of course he won’t be likely to bat Meyers leadoff… even though he may end up having a better career OPS than McCormick.
Considering how much baseball is based on timing... reps matter. Like pull them early if it is a blow out and you got your 4 ABs in.
