Cincinnati Reds: Kyle Farmer should start Game 1 at shortstop

Kyle Farmer should start Game 1 for the Reds.

David Bell will soon release the Cincinnati Reds playoff roster and his starting lineup for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. Though he’s started just 10 games at shortstop all season, Kyle Farmer should be in the lineup today versus the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves are sending left-handed pitcher Max Fried to the mound on Wednesday afternoon. Bell has shown a penchant all season to play the left-handed versus right-handed matchup, so we should expect Curt Casali behind the dish. But what about shortstop?

It’s yet to be determined if rookie Josê García will be among those chosen for the postseason roster, but in all likelihood he will. Freddy Galvis, Cincinnati’s Opening Day shortstop will undoubtedly be on the roster as well.

Galvis is a switch-hitter, quite capable stepping into th batter’s box against a lefty. However, the versatile infielder has only 37 plate appearances versus southpaws this season and his slash line is just .229/.270/.429 against left-handers. Farmer has tattooed left-handers this season to tune of .391/.417/.435.

Kyle Farmer has yet to go deep this season, but the Cincinnati Reds don’t need his power, they need his glove. While Galvis is no slouch defensively, he’s committed three errors while playing shortstop and has a .967 fielding percentage. Farmer has yet to make an error this season while fielding balls at shortstop.

Farmer has the potential to be an integral part of the Reds postseason success. If the game is close later, and especially is the Reds are holding onto a slim lead, expect to see Farmer somewhere on the infield dirt. Farmer may possess the best glove on the field, so if he doesn’t start, expect to see the Reds utility player on the field at some point.

Kyle Farmer has yet to face Atlanta starter Max Fried in his career, but it sure would be sweet for the Georgia native to play meaningful baseball in his hometown. Farmer played for both the University of Georgia and Marist University during his college days and still owns the Bulldog record for fielding percentage (.968) among shortstops.