Cincinnati Reds: Josh VanMeter finally breaks through

The Cincinnati Reds have been waiting all season to see Josh VanMeter get his first big league home run. He came up clutch last night.

Josh VanMeter broke through in a big way last night. With the Cincinnati Reds riding a 4-game losing streak, the team needed a jolt if they were going to have any hope of keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. VanMeter, who’d torn it up in the minor leagues earlier this season, finally saw one leave the yard and it helped the Reds grab the 3-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

After Yasiel Puig sent a rocket to the gap in left center field scoring Eugenio Suárez from first base, VanMeter stepped to the plate with the game knotted at 1 a piece. VanMeter took a 1-0 fastball from Miles Mikolas and there was no doubt where that ball was headed.

VanMeter’s blast landed on the protective netting over top of the bullpen in right field and the rookie’s first home run of his career gave the Reds the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. VanMeter, making his first start in left field since being recalled from Triple-A Louisville, went 2-for-4 on the night and raised his average to .255 on the season.

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/1152751514626265088

After seeing what VanMeter has done during his time at Triple-A Louisville this season, the Reds have been waiting to see the left-handed slugger send one out of the ballpark. VanMeter, via MLB.com, spoke about waiting for that elusive home run:

“You hit so many in a month in Triple-A and you get up here and you don’t hit one for 49 at-bats, you kind of think, ‘Man, am I ever going to hit one?’ It finally came. Kind of a weight off my shoulder. You don’t have to think about it anymore. You just go up there and hit. Hopefully, there’s more to come.”

VanMeter was one of three players from the Louisville Bats to make the International League All-Star Game. Along with Aristides Aquino and Lucas Sims, VanMeter had put together quite the season down I-71. In 49 games with the Bats this season, VanMeter was hitting .348 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. Of those 14 round trippers, 13 of them came during a 25-game period.

VanMeter hasn’t been the only member of the Louisville Bats showcasing his power this season. Aquino has 23 long balls on the season and has sent several out of Louisville Slugger Field. Nick Longhi, one of the Reds top prospects, has 11 homers on the season as well. But the leader in clubhouse is Brian O’Grady with 26 bombs on the year. There’s some power down on the farm.

What’s in store for Josh VanMeter beyond this weekend is anyone’s guess. The youngster shows great versatility with his ability to play in both the infield and outfield and also gives David Bell a left-handed bat off the bench. VanMeter fits a similar mold to that of Kyle Farmer who’s currently on the seven-day injured list with a concussion.

Whether or not VanMeter is still with the big league club once the Cincinnati Reds return to full strength will be an interesting story to follow. For now, Reds Country should just be happy for player who’s worked as hard as VanMeter has and has now seen that dedication pay off. Hopefully this wild ride sees plenty more balls leave the yard.