Cincinnati Reds: Projecting Triple-A Louisville Bats’ starting lineup

Louisville Bats starting infield (4)

Nicky Delmonico (1B), Max Schrock (2B), José García (SS), Alex Blandino (3B)

As was said earlier, a few of these players have the potential to be on the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster. Both Alex Blandino and Max Schrock have played well this spring and could break camp with the big league club. Honestly, a lot depends on whether or not Joey Votto is healthy or still on the injured list.

Votto tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the IL earlier this spring. The Reds also recently shuffled their infield and Eugenio Suárez is now the team’s starting shortstop. Before David Bell made the switch, Kyle Farmer was the leading candidate to land the job.

This change has seen Mike Moustakas return to the familiar third base, a position he’s manned for years while playing for the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers. Jonathan India now looks to be on track to be Cincinnati’s starting second baseman when the Reds battle the Cardinals on April 1st.

This takes India out of the mix to be the Louisville Bats’ starting second baseman and likely hands the job to Schrock, who’s played very well this spring and could yo-yo between the big leagues and Triple-A all season.

Blandino was the mix to be the Reds’ starting shortstop, but he profiles much better as a utility player. The former first-round pick can play all four spots on the infield dirt and, like Schrock, will likely see time in the bigs this season.

Rounding out the Louisville Bats’ infield are José García and Nicky Delmonico. García, the Reds’ top infield prospect, got his feet wet last season, but still needs some more seasoning in the minors. Delmonico was a non-roster invitee who has experience at first and third base as well as the outfield. He or Cheslor Cuthbert could open the season at first base for Triple-A Louisville.