Kevin Mench isn't playing tonight because...

[AI8818]

Why? I thought he'd be an everyday starter...I mean, he didn't get injured, and he doesn't have any kind of sickness or virus. Does anyone know? Cause if he isn't gonna be an everyday player, he's gone from my team. Or, maybe Im just going crazy over this little thing?

[t2green2]

I would say just a regular day off nothing more. He had 2 hits last night but did leave 5 runners on in his first 2 at bats. Until I read differently thats what I am guessing

[jayman]

Why? I thought he'd be an everyday starter...I mean, he didn't get injured, and he doesn't have any kind of sickness or virus. Does anyone know? Cause if he isn't gonna be an everyday player, he's gone from my team. Or, maybe Im just going crazy over this little thing?

I'm with you. I don't get it. A day off a couple games into the season?

[warrick95]

That situation is a tad bit messy. They have Dellucci, Mench, and Gonzalez to play at two spots. Hidalgo's pretty much entrenched in RF unless he seriously chokes. I think Showalter likes Matthews, Jr.'s defense in center. I suppose you'd better watch out if Adrian Gonzalez (ex-#1 pick...think Olerudlike with more power) ends up playing good baseball to warrant playing time. In addition, Laynce Nix getting called back up would be bad for PT, too...since that'd just add another OF into the mix. For now, I think Mench will still definitely be the starter, but will get a bit more time off than the regular outfielder.

[Turnip]

warrick95 has it right...and this was to be expected

[slomo007]

Adrian (IMO) took a HUGE step towards locking up the DH spot against righties, in only his first start. He battled Lackey (who was on fire tonight) in a 15 pitch at bat, only to take a walk...which lead to a 4 run inning and the Rangers taking the lead after the offense had been anemic all night. Lackey was pulled in the same inning...so basically, he took the red-hot Lackey out of the game pretty much single handedly. If he continues hitting like this, he'll DH against righties for sure.

That would leave Matthews Jr. in center typically (Showalter likes him) and Mench/Dellucci in left. Mench's value really takes a hit if Adrian continues playing like he did tonight. He's a very impressive youngster...but moreso from a real life POV than a fantasy POV. Also, Mench's defense is marginal at best, and Dellucci and Matthews are both great defensively.