
Odd roster construction and injuries are taking their toll on the Reds.
Earlier this week, the Cincinnati Reds had a starting infield of Kyle Farmer at first, Jonathan India at second, Eugenio Suarez at shortstop, and Nick Senzel at third. For the moment, let’s forget that none of these players are at their natural positions and focus on the results.
In the very first inning featuring this unique lineup, the club had three opportunities to turn double plays and to be expected, they failed every time. This is more an indictment on the front office than anyone else.
Somehow the Reds were willing to open the season without a legitimate major league shortstop on their roster, and it’s produced predictable results. But that’s another subject for another time. But it’s been Joey Votto’s injury that has truly exposed the mistakes of the Reds’ brain trust.
Since Votto went on the IL with a broken thumb suffered during a May 5th contest with the Chicago White Sox, manager David Bell has used Alex Blandino, Kyle Farmer, Mike Moustakas, and Tyler Stephenson at first base. Only Moustakas looks remotely comfortable playing the position, and he was placed on the injured list yesterday with a right heel contusion. Good grief.
Unfortunately, Votto’s injury has pressed Blandino and Farmer into roles they’re ill-equipped to handle. While each player provides value off the bench, having them in the starting lineup daily has exposed the team’s weaknesses and roster limitations.
Prediction
One would like to believe things can only get better with the Giants leaving town. While San Francisco is an excellent team, the Reds should never have been manhandled the way they were over the last four days.
But all is not lost. Look for the Cincinnati Reds to pull themselves together and take two of three this weekend before a much-needed off-day as they travel to the nation’s capital to begin a set with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.