Dusty is putting Yuli in the 2 hole to try and get him going.
So much of the Dusty criticism has to do with people like me being mad at him for not putting together the optimal lineup, not electing for the strongest pitcher matchup, or not pinch hitting at the right time.
For better or worse, Dusty believes in giving struggling and/or bench guys chances to prove themselves and turn things around.
Remember the 2020 season when he kept going to rookies Blake Taylor, Enoli Parades, Andre Scrubb, etc. in big spots? Some of that was out of necessity, but he was also trying to manufacture high leverage guys. Put them in the pressure cooker and see if they rise. Of course, none of those guys have been long term successful to this point.
I'll be livid when he does something cooky to the lineup in the playoffs (I don't think he did last year). But I have convinced myself to be ok with his methods while we hold a huge Division lead and appear to be in the driver's seat for a first round bye.