"Hoerner got only 75 plate appearances in the leadoff spot last season, none prior to July 11 and just 25 with a right-handed pitcher on the mound. But even that is a little misleading because 22 of those PAs against righties came after a lefty starter had been removed."
"Counsell had been doing more of the same with Hoerner and Busch until recently, with the former batting first against righties Mason Englert and Joe Boyle in the Cubs' wins in Tampa."
"It's not just dumb luck that putting your best pure hitter at the top of the lineup on a daily basis is going to yield good results over the course of the season."
Nico Hoerner's placement in the leadoff spot has been infrequent, with only 75 plate appearances last season. Craig Counsell's recent decision to move Hoerner to the top of the lineup coincided with the Cubs' first two consecutive wins of the season. While Michael Busch had previously held the leadoff position against righties, Hoerner's consistent batting at the top is expected to yield positive results. Both players have similar on-base percentages, but Hoerner's role may provide the team with better continuity and performance.
Read at Cubsinsider
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