platooning

Definition

The strategy in baseball of alternating between two players for a single position based on their performance against either left-handed or right-handed pitchers.

Etymology

Derived from the military term 'platoon,' which comes from the French 'peloton' (meaning a small ball or a knot/group), referencing the tactical division of soldiers into small, distinct units.

In the news

The article suggests the team would have achieved better results by platooning Brandon Lowe throughout the season, implying that he should have been rested or substituted whenever facing left-handed pitchers.

Brandon Lowe strikes out four times versus Padres

NBC Sports

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