I am coaching an 8U team. When I set lineups and positions, I do my best to give even playing time and time at multiple positions. We have 12 kids on the roster and play with 10 in the field, everyone hits.
We started March 1st and one kid on the team has missed every practice and come to 2/8 games. He was on select soccer, but before the season, we were told he'd balance baseball and soccer. He also finished soccer a week ago and hasn't shown up to anything. His mom has also expressed he isn't that interested in baseball and alluded to that being a reason he hasn't shown up.
Should I plug him in like any other kid, even playing time, multiple positions? Or put him at the bottom of the lineup and primarily OF? He's a good player, but giving him equal playing time and positions feels unfair to the kids who have come to every practice and game. Those are also valuable reps, which I'd rather give to the kids I know will be showing up.