Reds: Why the sudden abandonment of Eugenio Suarez at shortstop?

While I’m not opposed to seeing Eugenio Suarez back at third base, why have the Cincinnati Reds been so quick to abandon the idea of Geno playing shortstop during Joey Votto’s absence? By keeping Suarez at shortstop, the team has the opportunity to put their best lineup on the field.

Since Votto’s placement on the injured list with a broken thumb, Kyle Farmer has draw the start at shortstop and Suarez has been playing the hot corner while Mike Moustakas is filling in at first base for the former MVP.

Keeping Eugenio Suarez at SS could keep Jonathan India in the Reds lineup.

Again, I’d much prefer to see Eugenio Suarez playing third base, but when the former All-Star lines up at shortstop, it opens up so many more opportunities for David Bell to put his best hitters in the lineup.

I’m a big fan of Kyle Farmer, and love his versatility. However, he’s known more for his glove than his bat, and a return to the utility role would allow Bell to play Moustakas at first, Suarez at shortstop, Nick Senzel at second base, and rookie Jonathan India at third base.

Yes, defensively, that lineup is not as impenetrable as when Farmer is starting on the infield dirt. But by moving Suarez to shortstop prior to the season, the Cincinnati Reds were able to get India onto the field as the team’s regular at second base.

Of late, we’ve seen Senzel grab a handful of starts at the keystone while India’s been riding the pine. However, after he awoke from his offensive slumber last night, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs, India has shown that he brings a lot of value to this year’s Reds team.

When Joey Votto returns from the 10-day IL, we’ll almost assuredly see Eugenio Suarez return to shortstop. So why not continue to allow Geno to regain his familiarity at shortstop and get Jonathan India reps at third base?