Reds news: Utility infielder Josh VanMeter recalled

Josh VanMeter is back and will add some depth to the Reds infield.

Perhaps Josh VanMeter will figure things out during his second go-round. The Cincinnati Reds utility infielder was recalled from the alternate site and right-handed reliever Pedro Strop was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right groin. Strop’s transaction was retroactive to Saturday.

VanMeter exploded onto thee scene last spring after a ridiculous start to thee season at Triple-A Louisville. Along with fellow bash brothers Aristides Aquino and Brian O’Grady, VanMeter helped lead the Louisville Bats offense during the first month of the season and earned a call-up to the big leagues.

The Indiana native made his major league debut on May 5th, collected his first big league hit on May 8th and was sent back to Triple-A Louisville after playing 28 games with the Cincinnati Reds. During his first stint with club, VanMeter hit just .220/.347/.268, didn’t record a home run and had just three RBIs in 49 plate appearances.

Josh VanMeter was recalled by the Reds on July 6, 2019 and proved himself worthy of being called a major leaguer. VanMeter hit .241/.322/.439 with eight homers and 20 RBIs over his final 67 games. The left-handed hitting slugger increased his OPS by 146 points. David Bell and the Cincinnati coaching staff is hoping for a similar result in VanMeter’s second go of it this season.

The 2020 season has not been kind to VanMeter. the 25-year-old has yet to record a hit and has been on base twice via base on balls. He’s also been hit by a pitch and his on-base percentage currently sits at a paltry .176.

Before the offseason acquisitions of Nick Castellanos, Shogo Akiyama and Mike Moustakas, VanMeter was thought to have had a good shot to be a regular in the starting lineup, whether at second base or left field.

Look for Josh VanMeter to garner some time playing second base while Moustakas is on the injured list. Expect Bell to play VanMeter against right-handed pitchers, preferring to play either Kyle Farmer or Christian Colón versus southpaws.