Projected Reds starting lineup with Ty France after trade with Mariners

With news of the Frankie Montas trade and Lucas Sims being shipped off to Boston, the Cincinnati faithful kind of forgot that the Reds added former Seattle Mariners first baseman Ty France at the MLB trade deadline.

France arrived in Cincinnati ahead of the Reds' game against the Chicago Cubs, but the former All-Star has yet to play in a game while wearing a wishbone "C" on his cap. It's possible that France's Cincinnati Reds debut could be delayed until facing a left-handed pitcher, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the slugger on David Bell's lineup card for Wednesday's series finale against the Cubs.

France is likely to play either first base or act as the Reds' designated hitter, and while not necessarily a short-side platoon bat, the veteran does have better numbers against left-handers than he does against right-handed hurlers.

Projected Reds starting lineup with Ty France after trade with Mariners

Kyle Hendricks is on the bump for Chicago tonight, so there's the possibility that France will be a reserve. But even with France's addition and the return of TJ Friedl, Jonathan India has cemented himself as the Reds' leadoff hitter. Elly De La Cruz will undoubtedly be hitting in the No. 2 hole regardless of who's on the mound, and Spencer Steer can slot in to batting third.

Tyler Stephenson is heating up of late, and with Jeimer Candelario's streaky-bat, he'll likely settle in to batting fifth. Against right-handed pitching, Bell would probably like to move Friedl up, but it's difficult to see him hitting higher than sixth at the moment.

When facing a right-handed pitcher, look for Noelvi Marte to be sandwiched between the outfield duo of Jake Fraley and Will Benson. But with as hot as Santiago Espinal has been lately, there's a chance Marte may see a few more games on the bench instead of the starting lineup.

Against left-handers, look for the top four spots in the batting order to remain the same with India, De La Cruz, Steer, and Stephenson getting first crack against southpaws. But France could find a home hitting either above or below Candelario.

Seeing as how late-inning substitutions may impact the bottom-third of the batting order, look for Candelario to stick at the No. 5 spot in the order while France will hit sixth. The trio of Stuart Fairchild, Marte, Friedl would then grab the last three spot in the starting lineup.

France's first start in a Reds uniform could come on Wednesday versus the Cubs. Fans will surely want to tune in to see France and newly acquired reliever Jakob Junis, both of whom will likely see time on the diamond tonight.

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