Reds outfielder Albert Almora Jr. returns to a role that best suits him

With Tyler Naquin returning to the Cincinnati Reds lineup, David Bell will have to get creative with his lineups in order to keep Albert Almora Jr. on the field. But perhaps this new role will be better suited for the former Chicago Cubs outfielder.

Tuesday night's game provided two very revealing moments in the game. First, Tyler Naquin drew the start in right field with Donovan Solano acting as the team's DH. And second, even when the matchup would typically favor a right-handed hitter, Bell did not pinch hit for Naquin.

In seventh inning with the game still tied, Max Scherzer was pulled in favor of left-hander Joely Rodriguez. Bell opted to stick with Naquin rather than use the right-handed hitting Albert Almora Jr. off the bench.

Now, with both Kyle Farmer and Aramís García nursing injuries and virtually unavailable on Tuesday night, perhaps Bell was just saving Almora Jr. for later in the game. But it could be the role that the outfielder is more likely to play as the season moves along.

Albert Almora Jr. will have to adapt to coming off the Reds bench.

So long as Nick Senzel is riding his hot streak, I can't see any way that David Bell takes him out of the lineup in favor of Albert Almora Jr. Senzel is hitting .354/.392/.438 in his last 15 games for the Cincinnati Reds.

You've then got the lefty/ righty power bats of Tyler Naquin and Tommy Pham flanking Senzel in the outfield. While Almora Jr. is arguably the best defensive outfielder on the team, this Reds team needs to score runs.

Albert Almora Jr. has also struggled of late. After a red-hot start with his new club, Almora Jr. has cooled off of late. The 28-year-old is slashing just .192/.222/.231 in his last seven games.

But while Almora Jr. is struggling at the dish, he's still likely to see some time in the outfield from time to time. The Reds could always start Tommy Pham or Tyler Naquin at the DH and allow Almora Jr. to take over in left or right field. The Reds have also been very diligent about giving Senzel days off when necessary, so Almora Jr. is a natural fit in center field.

With the trade deadline and both Pham and Naquin likely to draw interest, Almora Jr. may not be acting as a reserve for very long. The Cincinnati Reds are also hopeful to see Aristides Aquino and Jake Fraley back on the field before long as well.