Kevin Plawecki suffered a failure to launch in 2018

Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsKevin Plawecki closed 2017 with a flourish after returning from injury on August 19, slashing .303/.411./474 over 90 plate appearances, for a 138 wRC+. Even more encouraging was the 27.0% line drive rate the notorious ground ball hitter sported over that period, as he seemed intent on adding more loft to his swing. However, the catcher wasn’t able to take advantage of a great opportunity in 2018 to establish himself as a clear everyday option, flashing some useful tools, but ultimately having another nondescript season.

When Travis d’Arnaud went on the disabled list on April 11 for a partially-torn UCL that would sideline him for the 2018 season, it seemed as if…