The Cleveland Indians could have to make do without one of their power hitters in Games 3-5 of the World Series in Chicago.
Indians manager Terry Francona will have to decide between Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana at first base, although Francona has toyed with the idea of Santana playing outfield, per ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
If Francona makes a choice between Santana and Napoli, it would likely come down to batter versus pitcher matchups.
Right-handers Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey take the mound for the Chicago Cubs in Games 3 and 4. Lefty Jon Lester is the probable starter for Game 5.
Napoli, the Indians' primary first baseman, bats right-handed. He has had more success against right-handers when it comes to big hits, but is more consistent against lefties. He had a .229/.322/ .471 line against right-handed pitchers during the regular season. Napoli had a better batting average (.262) and on-base percentage (.366) against lefties, but a worse slugging percentage (.451).
Of Napoli's at-bats during the regular season, 393 were against righties, compared to 164 versus left-handers. Napoli had 27 home runs against right-handers and seven against southpaws.
Also worth noting: Napoli was a catcher on the 2013 Red Sox team, and Lester was his teammate. Napoli has played in the postseason eight times, while Santana has this 2016 postseason and the 2013 wild-card game under his belt.
Santana is typically the Indians' designated hitter, but he can also play first base. He is a switch-hitter who primarily bats left-handed, taking 410 of his 572 at-bats on that side of the plate during the regular season. He batted .267/.374/.395 as a right-handed batter and .256/.347/.541 from the left side.
From a power standpoint, Santana fares better in the left side of the box, from where he hit 30 of his 34 home runs.
Neither Santana nor Napoli has lived up to his regular-season reputation in the postseason.. Napoli is 7-for-34, batting .206/.289/ .382/ with a homer, three doubles and two RBIs. Santana is hitting .143/.250/.314. He also has two RBIs, coming from two home runs.
Who should start the most at first base at Wrigley Field: Santana or Napoli? Cast your vote below.
World Series play resumes Friday night.
-- Alex Tekip