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Minnesota Twins: Robbie Grossman Odd Man Out in Lineup

By Jackson Bruce

Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Robbie Grossman (36) hits a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Robbie Grossman (36) hits a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robbie Grossman has struggled of late for the Minnesota Twins. Unfortunately for him, the others in the lineup are taking advantage of those struggles.

The Minnesota Twins bats have been great this season. Because of the amount of production, players have been lost in the shuffle. Designated hitter Kennys Vargas has played his part in the offensive explosion. So have others. As a result, Robbie Grossman is becoming the odd man out in Minnesota.

Vargas has played decently since getting called up on April 23rd. In 51 at bats this season, Vargas is hitting .255 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. While those numbers are not incredible, they are still a boost from the production of their other primary designated hitter.

Grossman has struggled in the month of May. He is currently sitting at a .190 average with a home run and two runs batted in for the month. He only has had 21 at bats this month, and that is in large part to Vargas taking the at bats from him.

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While Vargas’ stats in May aren’t exactly eye popping, either (.212 average, three home runs and 12 RBIs), they are still better than Grossman’s. If Vargas keeps up the production, Grossman could stay the odd man out of the Twins lineup. Unfortunately for Grossman, others are filling up spots he plays in the field.

The outfield is full, too.

The Twins are set with the three outfielders they currently have. Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Max Kepler. Rosario has been the Twins’ second best hitter behind Miguel Sano with his .271 average. Buxton is starting to come around, hitting .233 in May. Kepler has continued to be a productive hitter at the top of the order.

With the designated hitter spot taken, along with all three outfield spots, Grossman’s role is being reduced. At this point, he is the fourth outfielder on the depth chart and the designated hitter when Vargas gets a day off. After a hot start, Grossman picked the wrong time to cool off.

Grossman’s position options are limited, and with the way the Twins outfielders and Kenny Vargas have produced he has become the odd man out. With a .190 average in the month of May, while the rest of the lineup has been stepping Grossman has not done himself any favors to get more playing time.

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If their lineup continues to produce the way it has been, look for Grossman’s role to get crunched even more. Vargas is young and has a longer leash and their outfield is full of the young stars the organization has been waiting for. Playing time may only get worse for Grossman if the Twins keep him on the roster.

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