Lyle

Overbay

Manager Ned Yost said he’s resting his top hitter for the series with the Astros. Overbay needs one double to tie Robin Yount’s franchise record of 49.

If he gets it in his first at-bat of the game, Overbay would have a .2998 average for the year, and Brewers’ manager Ned Yost may remove him from the game. Overbay has had a wonderful first full season regardless if he hits .300.

Overbay went into the break hitting .344, but is down to .318 now. His on-base percentage remains excellent at .398, but manager Ned Yost thinks his first baseman is wearing down in his first season as an everyday player.

Overbay will be ready for spring training, but his role for next year has yet to decided. He could be traded.

Overbay has a deviated septum, which the surgery will correct. He also plans to add strength in the weight room. The Diamondbacks haven’t decided whether he or Shea Hillenbrand will start at first base next season.

Overbay is only 3-for-16 with runners in scoring position as the No. 5 hitter in the lineup, and has 10 strikeouts. That won’t cut it. Could be his two early homers have him thinking he’s a power hitter. Wes Helms shifted to first base with Overbay out, but manager Ned Yost said Lyle will be back in there shortly.

During that 10-game streak, Overbay is batting .500 (19-for-38) with eight doubles, three home runs and 17 RBI. His overall totals include a .351 average, 5 HRs and 31 RBI for the season. While Overbay cannot possibly keep up this pace, just remember that he was a career .342 hitter in the minor leagues, so his performance to date does have some merit. Enjoy his current streak if you own him in fantasy pools.

Overbay hit .520 last week with three home runs, 11 RBI, and five doubles. Overbay is second in MLB in RBI with 31, and is the major league leader in doubles with 16. That’s his game, so it’s okay to have faith that his breakout may just be for real.

Overbay could get a day off Sunday against the Pirates to give him an extra day of rest with an off day Monday.

Considering the lack of effort he showed trying to handle a throw in the dirt from Brandon League in the fifth, Overbay looks like someone who needs to be sat down for a day or two. Eric Hinske has hit righties even better than he has anyway.