Craig Counsell provides clarity for the plan at 1B for the remainder of the season

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell has indicated that Carlos Santana will be the everyday first baseman for the remainder of the season.  

At the time Carlos Santana was acquired by the Brewers they had Rowdy Tellez on the injured list.  Over the weekend he was activated and saw playing time as the designated hitter.  According to Craig Counsell this scenario is the plan for the rest of the year.

“Carlos is going to be the first baseman.  But there will be a day here and a day there where (Tellez) plays first base. We’re looking for offense, for sure. But the defensive part matters as well.”

On Milwaukee’s recent nine game road trip switch hitting Carlos Santana had four home runs and 10 RBI.  As noted by Counsell the offensive part matters, but he also specifically mentioned defense as a reason as to why he was chosen to be the first baseman.

Across the entire league Carlos Santana has the highest DRS (defensive runs saved) metric of any other player with eight.  The next closest players are Pete Alonso and Christian Walker with five apiece.  For reference, Rowdy Tellez has never posted a positive DRS throughout his career and was at -6 a season ago.

After seeing these DRS statistics it is easy to see why Counsell put an emphasis on defense playing a large role as to why Carlos Santana was chosen over Rowdy Tellez.  Tellez should see at-bats via the designated hitter the rest of the way, so hopefully he can produce in that role and help Milwaukee secure a post-season berth.