Cincinnati Reds’ right fielder Scott Schebler attempts to solidify position

The right fielder for the Cincinnati Reds, Scott Schebler, has hit home runs all season long, but wants to maintain a hold on the starting position.

The Cincinnati Reds gave Scott Schebler the starting right field job this spring and haven’t looked back.  His play has been great at times and mediocre at other times.  His home run total, though, is impressive for a line drive hitter.

Schebler has been battling teammate and perennial MVP candidate Joey Votto for the National League lead in home runs all season long.  Until recently he was neck and neck with Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins for the NL lead among right fielders as well. Votto has fallen to third in the NL, while Schebler is currently fourth among NL right fielders.

One of the right fielders in front of Schebler is the man that he replaced, Jay Bruce.  Bruce has more home runs and a higher batting average than Schebler to go with a higher OBP.  The Reds had to make the deal, but Schebler isn’t a clear upgrade at this point.

Want your voice heard? Join the Blog Red Machine team!

Write for us!

Other than home runs, Schebler lacks other offensive talent.  His average is only .241 and he only has 15 doubles.  He doesn’t strike out too often, but he doesn’t produce a high enough risk for opposing pitchers that can keep him the park.

More from Reds News

• Reds: Reiver Sanmartin should get first major league start vs Pirates
• Reds should unquestionably bring Wade Miley back in 2022
• Reds: TJ Friedl’s fast start will earn him opportunities in 2022
• Reds: 3 September surprises who’ve improved their 2022 roster hopes
• Reds: 3 players Cincinnati must find trade partners for this offseason

Scott Schebler is one of three Cincinnati Reds’ starters that haven’t solidified their roles on the team.

Besides Schebler, second baseman Jose Peraza and center fielder Billy Hamilton are having similar consistency issues.  Among the three of them on any given day only two should be in the starting line-up.  Peraza has essentially lost his starting job to Scooter Gennett and now bounces between both middle infield positions.

The Reds’ decision is balancing power, speed and defense.  Schebler is the only one of the three with power and the only one without elite speed.  The defense though is different.

Hamilton is the Reds’ best defensive center fielder of all-time.  Peraza was a step down defensively in the outfield last season, despite covering a wealth of ground.  Schebler also has a better arm for throwing out runners on the base path.

Next: In a bad season some long balls are being ignored

The Reds face a difficult decision, but one that is clear at the same time.  They should just rotate these three players through the two outfield positions batting any combination of the duo sixth and seventh.  None of the three deserves to bat higher or feel more certain of his role on the team based on the play to date this season.