Damon

Hollins

Hollins has been slumping, but he has an 885 OPS against lefties this year. It’s righties that he should be sitting against. Russell Branyan started in right field tonight and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

Hollins had been 3-for-33 during June. He was only playing tonight because Jonny Gomes (shoulder) isn’t currently able to play right field.

Toby Hall, Russ Branyan, and Julio Lugo also homered in the contest as the club scored 10 times on just 12 baserunners. Hollins has three homers in his last six games, but there’s not going to be much playing time for him when both Rocco Baldelli and Jorge Cantu return.

Hollins, who also drew a walk, came into the game in a terrible 1-for-21 skid, so this was a much welcomed blast.

Eight years after reaching Triple-A, Hollins finally made his major league debut last season, going 8-for-22 with the Braves. He could be an adequate fifth outfielder, but there are better career minor leaguers awaiting opportunities.

Hollins is 10-for-58 since the beginning of August. He’s only playing against lefties right now, and there’s not going to be any reason for his role to increase.

It’s cute when a quality player does it. Hollins, though, was hitting .184 in 103 at-bats since the start of August. He’s in Tampa Bay’s plans for 2006 as a reserve outfielder, but he probably shouldn’t be.

Hollins, who was a long-time minor leaguer, has been a major surprise as Rocco Baldelli’s replacement in center field. Interestingly, Baldelli won the AL Rookie of the Month award in April and May of 2003.

The Rays are hurting themselves by leaving Carl Crawford in left and playing Hollins in center every time he’s in the lineup, but Hollins is still hitting rather well. While the homer was his first of the month, he’s batting .313 during June.

Carl Crawford moved from left field to center field, replacing Hollins, while Jonny Gomes started in left field.