Dane Myers has one flaw that’s becoming impossible for Reds fans to ignore

For all intents and purposes, the Cincinnati Reds have to be thrilled with the early returns they've received from the Dane Myers trade. The 30-year-old outfielder is hitting at a career-best level, finishing April with a .286/.423/.357 (127 wRC+) slash line all while walking and striking out at an equal pace (nine each).

Against all odds, he's actually doing this despite massive reverse splits at the plate. Long known as a lefty masher, Myers has a 181 wRC+ against righties this year, which is 100 points higher than his mark against southpaws. There's going to be regression going in both directions as the season grows older, but it's a positive sign that he's been so good against his primary perceived weakness.

That being said, there might be a new weakness fans need to watch out for. Entering May, Myers has been the weakest link on the roster when it comes to ABS challenges (by far). He's requested for six challenges thus far, which ties Sal Stewart for the most among hitters on the Reds. The problem? Stewart has a 66.7% success rate. Meanwhile, Myers has been right just once. Perhaps it's time to revoke some privileges at the plate?

Reds' ABS mastery unfortunately has yet to extend to Dane Myers

As a whole, the Reds have actually been one of the best teams in MLB this year when it comes to ABS challenges. As of the end of April, they ranked inside the top-10 in hitting challenge success rate at 52% (15-for-29). Their pitching staff and catchers have been even better, with a top-two success rate of 71% (15-for-21).

A lot of that success is owed to the team's relatively conservative approach to ABS; their 30 total overturns are the seventh-fewest in the league, despite owning one of the most efficient overturn rates.

Perhaps that philosophy would do Myers some good. Tyler Stephenson has only challenged half as many calls, but his success rate is 100%. He's one of just three players in the league with three or more ABS challenges who remains perfect.

It's not like Myers doesn't know the strike zone; his walk rate this year is a whopping 17.3%, and he's been above average in every season when it comes to laying off pitches outside the zone. This is a guy who knows his balls and strikes. Terry Francona and company may just want to tell him to lay off challenging the really close calls, if only to save more for the rest of the lineup.

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