"I think a big reason for my lack of RBI production early on is my current usage on this team" stated Barrera after the team's recent 2-0 loss to Mexico City. A game in which Barrera did not start but struck out later in the game during a pinch hitting at-bat. "I'm being used against right handed pitching only, which is limiting my at-bats overall and therefore hurting my chances at even getting more opportunities to drive in runs. I should be playing everyday. Or at least as much as my body will allow me to and be back their catching."
Barrera is referencing the fact that through the first month of the season he has split time with Allan McHugh who has been starting games in which left handers have started for the opponent. Prior to the start of the season, Wilson informed both that a platoon set up would be used in an effort to keep both catchers, but mainly Barrera, rested up for the stretch run. Wilson justified the decision after hearing of Barrera's complaints.
"Catchers typically only start in 130-140 games a season. That's all their bodies can withstand" stated Wilson. "We felt a good way to keep Barrera healthy was utilize McHugh, who is a very serviceable backup catcher, early on in the season. Perhaps if Luis was performing better early on, he'd force our hand a little more to play everyday. Right now, I don't see it as being a justifiable argument."
Through 17 starts, Barrera is batting .241/.343/.448 with 3 homeruns and just 4 RBI while batting cleanup in the Wolves lineup. Since winning the Gillstrom award in 2030 as the Johnson League's top rookie, Barrera has seen his overall offensive output decline over the better part of his 3 big league seasons. Some in the front office hoped that concentrating his play against right handed pitching, where Barrera excels at according to scouts, would help boost his stats and production. But through the first month of the season, that doesn't seem to be the case.
