Cincinnati Reds: Eugenio Suárez takes power surge to Oakland

Reds sluggers are beginning to dial long distance

To say Derek Dietrich adds personality to the Cincinnati Reds is a great injustice. Whether he’s admiring his home runs at the plate, painting fake mustaches above his lip, or pretending to be a beekeeper, it’s impossible not to like the guy. Luckily for Reds fans he has the numbers to back up all the swagger.

In just 70 at-bats, Derek Dietrich has blasted 9 home runs and compiled a ridiculous 1.047 OPS and 165 OPS+. He’s absolutely destroying right-handed pitching. In 64 at-bats against right-handers he’s slashing .266/.377/.734. Expect to see Dietrich in the line-up against both Mike Fiers and Chris Bassitt.

Since Nick Senzel made his Major League debut on Friday, the Reds have scored 37 runs.  Coincidence? Maybe, but Senzel has been an active participant in the scoring onslaught. He’s already hit 3 home runs and contributed a 1.146 OPS. Just as importantly, he looks like a natural in center field.

All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez has had a strange beginning to his 2019 campaign. He’s not getting on-base or hitting for the average Reds fans have become accustomed, but he’s providing plenty of power.

The 27-year-old slugger has 28 hits on the season and 15 of those have gone for extra bases. Suáres’s 10 home runs and 5 doubles have been been major contributors to his team high 23 RBIs.

Don’t look now, but left-handed reliever Zach Duke has not been scored upon in his last 4 outings.  Over 4 innings, Duke has allowed 1 hit and has fanned 3 batters. Hopefully, Duke has found his footing after a miserable start to the season.

Prediction

The Reds pitchers’ eyes are going to light up when they see the dimensions of the Oakland Coliseum and it’s ample foul territory. After working in Great American Ball Park over the last four days, Oakland will seem like the Grand Canyon.

Having the designated hitter will be a benefit for the Redlegs as well. The ability to play Jesse Winker, Derek Dietrich, and Jose Peraza at the same time will pay dividends as the Cincinnati Reds take 2 of the 3 from the A’s.