PT TOMORROW: AL Central—Dozier's decline may benefit Nunez, Polanco

Minnesota Twins

In the May 24 Minneapolis Star Tribune, sports writer Chip Scoggins chronicled Brian Dozier's (2B, MIN; pictured above) plate struggles. They haven't been limited to 2016 but go all the way back to the 2015 All Star break (.210 BA, 281 AB over the rest of 2015, .199 BA, 151 AB to begin 2016). The article cites one reason for the slow start as Dozier's insistence on aiming for the HR by pulling the ball to left field (his 2016 47% FB% would be a career high), countered by opposing pitchers with good scouting reports. If he can't pull himself out of this quicksand, his replacements may be reasonable options.

Injuries at 3B in April and SS in May effectively turned part-timer Eduardo Núñez (SS/3B, MIN) into a starter....

Almost!

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