Nelson Cruz could solve Twins' continuing DH problem
January 3, 2019 at 2:32AM
Cruz was in Seattle's starting lineup as a DH 146 times last summer, 136 times in 2017, and 107 times in 2016. If he approaches those numbers in 2019, it would mark a huge change for the Twins, who have not used a single DH in at least 80 games since 2010.
Twins' designated hitter starts, last 10 years
YearDHsPlayers used in 10+ gmsLeader (Gms)
2018115Logan Morrison (35)
2017105Robbie Grossman (61)
2016115ByungHo Park (36)
201575Miguel Sano (69)
201416Kennys Vargas (40)
201385Ryan Doumit (47)
201274Ryan Doumit (48)
2011 124Jim Thome (59)
201093Jason Kubel (80)
Most starts as DH for Twins, single-season
149 — Chili Davis, 1991
143 — Paul Molitor, 1996
138 — Tony Oliva, 1973
121 — Paul Molitor, 1997
118 — Tony Oliva, 1975
115 — Chili Davis, 1992
104 — Dave Winfield, 1993
104 — Roy Smalley Jr., 1986
about the writer
A former second-round pick of the Rangers, Alex Speas has pitched in four major league games.
