Where is Scott Servais' lineup depth?

When it comes to batting orders, there are two schools of thought. First, it doesn't matter because the leadoff hitter only leads off once. Second, the better hitters should take the top spots in the order because they usually get more opportunities. I'm from a different school, one where depth is the essential factor. The best offensive teams don't have black holes near the bottom of the lineup (think Astros and Blue Jays).

Right now, the seven through nine spots aren't performing. No matter who's name Manager Scott Servais writes down. Cooper Hummel (.111), Tom Murphy (.063), Kolten Wong (.105), and J.P. Crawford (.209). It is still early, but that is the epitome of anemic. So, what is the early season fix? A move could increase the depth one through nine—a new lineup.

Leverage Jarred Kelenic's Hot Start

Finally, the 23-year-old five-tool outfielder has arrived. Between his nuclear performance in Peoria and a solid start to the 2023 campaign, Kelenic has more than earned a move up in the order. Some of you might think burying him in the six spot would be better, but I'd like to throw out a few key facts to suggest otherwise.

Kelenic is using the whole field this season. We've seen him spray the ball from line to line with authority. Number two hitters need this skill. Do you know what else they need? Speed and no one will confuse Ty France with Jarred Kelenic in a foot race. That isn't a dig on France; it's the truth (even if he stole a base in Cleveland). Lastly, Kelenic is barreling everything up (16.4%), and having him in the two spot right will create more opportunities for Julio Rodriguez on the basepaths.

Reinforcements Could Infuse Lineup

Dylan Moore and Taylor Trammell are both starting rehab assignments next week. Servais estimates Moore to rejoin the team near the end of the upcoming nine-game homestand. As for Trammell, he will be behind Moore's timeline due to the extent of his injury (Hamate bone). But both players offer more athleticism and upside than any players currently occupying the roles.

New Day, New Lineup

The underperforming bench players (Pollock, Wong, Haggerty) will play two to three days a week. We can't just run the same nine out there every day. However, the upside and depth of this lineup is tantalizing.

Cooper Hummel has a few more weeks to figure it out. If he doesn't, we'll surely see Moore replace him. But, then, there is a world where Trammell takes Tommy La Stella's spot on the 26-man roster when he has a clean bill of health. That move is about a month away, but for now, Servais could do one thing to increase lineup depth, move Jarred Kelenic up on the scorecard. He's earned it.