Notes: Tyler Saladino earns more playing time by swinging hot bat since joining Brewers

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Brewers second baseman Tyler Saladino looks on as he hits a two-run double Wednesday.

In a matter of only two weeks, Tyler Saladino has made Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell look for ways to get him playing time.

Not bad for a backup player who wasn’t in the organization when the season started.

Acquired for cash from the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and summoned from Class AAA Colorado Springs on May 9 after utility player Nick Franklin went on the disabled list after one game, Saladino made his second consecutive start Thursday evening in the Brewers’ series opener against the New York Mets at Miller Park.

This time, Saladino made his first start at second base after four previous starts at shortstop in place of Orlando Arcia.

“You can’t ignore a player that’s playing really well,” Counsell said. “That’s what ‘Sally’ is doing. He is playing exceptionally well. It would be hard to turn away from it, really.”

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In 21 at-bats over 10 games, Saladino was batting .429 (9 for 21) with a .455 on-base percentage and .905 slugging percentage, which was the big surprise. Not known for his power, Saladino had produced a double and three home runs, including an inside-the-parker in Arizona.

In 863 plate appearances with the White Sox over four seasons, Saladino hit 12 home runs and compiled a .330 slugging percentage.

“He’s done everything right since he’s been here,” Counsell said. “He’s certainly pushing for more playing time. He’s played well in all facets of the game.

“He’s driven in big runs. He’s hit home runs. He’s made plays at shortstop. You can’t ask anything more of a player.”

Saladino, 28, who batted .295 with one homer and seven RBI in 13 games for the Sky Sox before being promoted, admitted how much easier it was to transition to a new club and organization when you come in banging the ball around as he has.

“It definitely makes it easier, getting some production as opposed to if you’re in that situation and putting a little more pressure on yourself,” he said. “At the same time, you still feel the same urgency, even if you are producing, to get the job done.

“This is a great group of guys, great staff and organization, so they’ve helped the transition big-time. At the end of it, you just go out there and compete.”

Saladino no longer was a great fit in Chicago with the massive rebuild going on there and admits as a utility player, there’s probably more chances to contribute in the National League, where double-switches are common and versatility is coveted.

“With the White Sox, I played interleague but it’s not the same as every-day National League stuff,” he said. “I’m just trying to get a feel for everything and if they call my name for anything, go up there, go out there, whatever it may be. It’s just the game of baseball.”

Arcia stiff scuffling: By playing Saladino at second, it allowed Counsell to keep defensive whiz Arcia at shortstop. It has been a tough go of it at the plate for Arcia, who made strides offensively last season (.277 batting average, .731 OPS, 15 HRs, 53 RBI) but has backtracked this season.

Entering the game, Arcia was hitless in his last 12 at-bats and in a 2-for-26 skid that dropped his average to .199 for the season, with a .238 OBP and .517 OPS. The one positive at the plate was his three game-winning RBI in the ninth inning or later.

We’re still trying to get Orlando going,” Counsell said. “That’s still important. He is a premium defender and has played premium defense all season, as well as any player I’ve seen this season playing shortstop.”

Defensive turnaround: Early in the season, the Brewers were having some defensive issues, piling up a high error total, particularly on the infield. In May, however, their defense has been superb much of the time, improving their efficiency ratings in the field.

Asked if bad weather was a factor early, Counsell said, “We made some mistakes. We’ll make mistakes again, trust me. That’ll happen. We made some mistakes early and have limited the mistakes lately.”