Cincinnati Reds: Three players who should be sent to the alternate site

1. Reds outfielder Travis Jankowski

It’s time. In fact, it’s well past time for Travis Jankowski to be optioned to the alternate site. To be honest, I don’t know how he’s lasted this long on the roster. Jankowski is a spot starter at best, and there are plenty of other options already on the active roster or at Prasco Park that would provide Cincinnati with better results on the field.

I don’t want to pick apart Jankowski’s game, but we know what he is. He’s fast! That’s great if you can afford to utilize a roster spot for a player that fills a niche. However, in this 60-game season, despite the additional roster spots, Jankowski is taking up a spot that could be used for someone who can actually get on base.

In 15 at-bats, Jankowski has one hit (0.67 batting average). What good is having someone with speed on the base paths if they can’t get on the base paths? It’s also not as if Jankowski is lightyears faster than some of the other players on the Reds.

Jankowski’s sprint speed last season, according to Baseball Savant, was 27.4 feet per second. That’s actually the lowest of his career. Nick Senzel’s sprint speed of 29.0 feet per second is in the Top 4% of the league this season. Even Phillip Ervin, while not a burner, has a respectable sprint speed of 27.2 feet per second. Travis Jankowski is replaceable.

2. Reds infielder Josh VanMeter

Josh VanMeter broke onto the scene last spring after having a boatload of success for the Cincinnati Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, to begin the 2019 season. VanMeter’s power from the left side earned him a promotion to the big leagues, but he’s yet to have staying power at the big league level.

VanMeter yoyo’d between Cincinnati and Louisville last season and looks to have the makeup of a player that needs consistent reps in order to be successful. Unfortunately for VanMeter, he’s unlikely to get that with the Reds this season. Cincinnati filled the holes in their lineup with freee agent acquisitions, most of whom occupy spots he could’ve played.

When the Reds signed Mike Moustakas in December, that was a clear signal that they were hoping to compete this season. It also should’ve rang true with VanMeter as to their plans for the 25-year-old. He would have a role similar to that of 2019; a utility player who could be called upon to pinch hit.

With Moose now back in the lineup, the Reds infield is pretty full. I’d even argue that Kyle Farmer is a much better option defensively should any of the Cincinnati infielders need a day off. VanMeter is average defensively, and the Reds infield has already been decimated by poor defensive play this season.

Under normal circumstances, we’d probably see VanMeter playing every day at Triple-A Louisville and continuing to hone his skills at the dish and in the field with the hopes of receiving a call to the bigs. However, this season doesn’t afford VanMeter that option, and Cincinnati may have some other players at Prasco Park that would better fit a need right now.

3. Reds reliever Cody Reed

I struggled with this one, as there are a few other names that crossed my mind. However, in the end, I find it incredibly hard to trust Cody Reed on the hill. Yes, his last trip to the mound was somewhat successful, going 2.2 innings and allowing just one hit while striking out three. However, let’s look at the context of that game.

That appearance from Reed followed Anthony DeSclafani’s worse start of his career. Disco allowed nine runs in the first two innings and was replaced by Reed in the third inning. The Reds were down 9-1 when Reed entered the game. That’s about as low-pressure of a situation as you’ll see.

I’m not here to bash Reed for that performance, as he should be commended for coming in and doing his job, effectively quieting the Pirates bats. However, Cody Reed hasn’t had a very successful track record and has surrendered two runs in three of his seven appearances this season.

Reed’s ERA is currently sitting at 7.04 through 7.2 innings of work. Reed has just six strikeouts and his 12.8% walk-rate is not very encouraging. With Cody Reed out of minor league options, should the Cincinnati Reds send the left-hander down, he’d be designated for assignment and have to clear waivers before being able to return to the team’s 60-man player pool.

Is it time to give up on Cody Reed? One more poor outing might be enough for the Reds front office to make a move. Cincinnati does not have another left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster, but Jesse Biddle, Brandon Finnegan and Nick Lodolo are currently at the team’s alternate site in Mason.