Nelson Cruz could solve Twins' continuing DH problem

Cruz was in Seattle's starting lineup as a DH 146 times last summer, 136 times in 2017, and 107 times in 2016. If he approaches those numbers in 2019, it would mark a huge change for the Twins, who have not used a single DH in at least 80 games since 2010.

Twins' designated hitter starts, last 10 years

YearDHsPlayers used in 10+ gmsLeader (Gms)

2018115Logan Morrison (35)

2017105Robbie Grossman (61)

2016115ByungHo Park (36)

201575Miguel Sano (69)

201385Ryan Doumit (47)

201274Ryan Doumit (48)

2011 124Jim Thome (59)

201093Jason Kubel (80)

Most starts as DH for Twins, single-season

143 — Paul Molitor, 1996

138 — Tony Oliva, 1973

121 — Paul Molitor, 1997

118 — Tony Oliva, 1975

115 — Chili Davis, 1992