FanPost

Did the Pirates let another cleanup hitter get away?

Rotoworld is reporting Jeff Keppinger is the designated hitter and batting cleanup for the Tampa Bay Rays in Friday's opener.

Keppinger admitted he has never batted cleanup before, not even in high school or college. Manager Joe Maddon is doing what he should, maximizing his platoon players as Keppinger has an .852 career OPS against left-handed pitching. The Rays are squaring off against CC Sabathia.


Keppinger certainly isn't a slugger and never will be confused as a star player, but he certainly has put together a nice career as a utility player.

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