In the old days they always did
But not any more after analysis has shown that's not optimal
Despite that, I *suspect* some players still see it as a prestigious thing. Bautista, despite being smart, could be one of those guys.
That OBP. He's actually a decent baserunner too. Pillar isnt getting on base in front of him. Maybe he'd do it without complaint until Travis gets back.
Yes
Bautista likes to win
But he's also in a contract year. His biggest one ever and possibly his last. He wants RBIs. It's what he's expected to produce.