I was making fun of myself for saying before the game that with JV on the mound, it would be a great time to give Diaz a day at 1B
Correct. It's still not optimal. Unfortunately, this only emboldens Dusty to make stupid decisions about the lineup. Diaz needs to catch 4 of the 5 starters. McCormick needs to be in CF everyday. Not 4 or 5 times a week. Every damn day. Let Dubon be a defensive replacement in CF late in games. That's how normal managers get everyone involved (like Dusty alludes to). Let him play second once a week to keep Altuve fresh if need be and/or DH once a week. Meyers the same. Defensive replacement in the outfield and maybe 1 start a week. It's not rocket science. You play everyone. It's a win win win.
As hot as Pena has been, I wish he didn't look so ass those last 3 at-bats. Got to keep the same mindset regardless of the score.