When Pete Mackanin wrote Cameron Perkins’ name atop his 70th lineup, it was less about a new look at the young outfielder and more about Odubel Herrera.
Herrera came to the plate 231 times from April 19 to June 20 and drew more intentional walks (three) than unintentional walks (two). He carried a four-game hitting streak into Wednesday’s game, but Mackanin still moved Herrera to sixth in the batting order.
He delivered with a two-run double in the first inning against the Cardinals.
“I can’t have a leadoff hitter swinging at that many pitches,” Mackanin said.