Why Do Managers Use Four Outfielders Against Certain Hitters?
Sometimes preventing one extra-base hit is worth exposing another area.
Managers occasionally use four outfielders against extreme power hitters because the risk of extra-base hits outweighs the risk of allowing ground-ball singles.
Certain hitters produce far more dangerous contact in the air than on the ground. Against those players, teams may shift a defender from the infield into the outfield.
The alignment improves coverage of deep fly balls and line drives, especially in late-game situations where one extra-base hit could change the outcome.
The obvious trade-off is increased vulnerability on the infield. Ground balls that would normally be routine outs may become singles.
Managers reserve this strategy for specific circumstances. It reflects a willingness to accept one type of risk in order to reduce a more threatening one.
