Reds: 3 players who’ll force their way onto the roster by the All-Star break

2. Scott Heineman, Reds utility player

The Cincinnati Reds have a plethora of left-handed bats on the 26-man roster. From Joey Votto to Jesse Winker to Mike Moustakas, some of Cincinnati’s biggest hitters begin their at-bats from the left side of home plate. A right-handed power bat like Scott Heineman could be a valuable player to have coming off the bench.

Heineman has experience at first base, but even if Votto suffers some sort of injury or ailment that forces the six-time All-Star out of the Reds starting lineup, I don’t really foresee Heineman getting the start over the likes of Moustakas, Kyle Farmer, or even Alex Blandino. However, if there’s an opening in the outfield, Heineman could find a way to make it onto the Reds active roster.

Heineman played his entire career in the Texas Rangers organization until he was traded this past offseason. Heineman has minor-league options remaining, so yo-yo’ing the 28-year-old between the big leagues and Triple-A Louisville is a very real possibility for Heineman this season.

Aristides Aquino is currently on the injured list, but the writing appears to be on the wall; The Punisher’s time in Cincinnati is coming to a close. With Shogo Akiyama set to return soon and Tyler Naquin leading the team in home runs, Aquino is going to find it hard to see the field.

The Reds ability to bounce Scott Heineman between the majors and Triple-A is an advantage the California native holds over Aquino. Heineman, like Aquino, offers a lot of pop from the right side as well. If he finds early success with the Louisville Bats this season, Heineman may force his way on the 26-man roster.