Scott Schebler and Zack Cozart Shift Lineup Spots

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Manager Bryan Price moved Scott Schebler down a spot in the lineup and moved Zack Cozart up a spot.

Contrary to popular theory the reason wasn’t because Schebler is struggling at .170 and Cozart is hitting a cool. 405.

“With a lefty going, we just wanted to get a little more protection for Gino (Eugenio Suarez). If a right-hander was going, he’d be right back up there at sixth,” Price said.

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Schebler’s average is below where he’d like it to be but five of his eight hits have been for extra bases, two doubles and three home runs..  He has driven in seven runs and hit homers in back-to-back days.

Schebler started slowly at the plate last season and in spring training this season.  He picked up the pace the last two weeks in Goodyear, like he did the second half of last season, taking over for Jay Bruce, when the later was traded to the New York Mets.

He hit .290 with eight home runs and 32 RBI in the last 55 games of the year. Schebler has been bothered by the shift. Twice he has tried to bunt on it and was successful the first time he did it.

“He has all the tools to be an outstanding major league player. I may have more confidence that he’ll be a great player than he does,” Price said.

Cozart is having another good start similar to what he did last season.

The shortstop has a home run and eight RBI but has also hit three triples to go along with his lofty .405 average.