Why is Julks Sitting for the Astros Against the Mariners on Saturday?

The Houston Astros have elected to sit outfielder Corey Julks on Saturday against the Seattle Mariners. Julks has been a revelation this season but has started to cool down after hitting over .300 to start the season. 

Entering play on Saturday, Julks is slashing .271/.276/.388 with an OPS+ of 82.

Marco Gonzalez takes the mound for the Mariners on Saturday, a left-handed pitcher. Oddly enough, in a small sample size Julks is hitting .286 with an OPS of .838 against southpaws. 

Against right-handers Julks has a .630 OPS. The decision to bench him may be because manager Dusty Baker wants to protect him against left-handers. 

Or he could use a day of rest to get right as he has batted just .229/.229/.257 with no home runs over the last 14 days. The league is seemingly catching up with him and the rookie will need to make adjustments if he hopes to continue to make an impact at the MLB level.