Why is Colin Moran drawing starts at third base over Brandon Drury?

Why is Colin Moran drawing starts at third base over Brandon Drury? It seems like a question that's more than fair given the track record that both Cincinnati Reds infielders have on the defensive-side of the ball.

I know I've been incredibly critical of Colin Moran even being on the Reds roster, I stand by it. That said, the former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger was the only Cincinnati player with an extra base hit in Friday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Until the Reds are fully healthy, I understand why Moran has yet to be optioned to Triple-A Louisville. What I can't fathom is why he's playing third base over the more sure-handed Drury. Instead, Drury has been occupying the role of the Reds designated hitter, something that Moran should be doing versus right-handed pitchers.

Why are the Reds playing Colin Moran at third base?

Brandon Drury's last three starts have seen the former New York Mets utility infielder occupying the second spot in the Cincinnati Reds batting order as the team's universal DH.

In those same three games, Colin Moran has hit in the bottom-third of the batting order and is playing third base. The question is simple; why is Moran in the field and Drury just swinging the bat?

While Drury isn't a top-notch defender in his own right, his -8 defensive runs saved during eight major league seasons playing third base is miles ahead of Moran's -27 DRS during his career. Between the two, however, only Drury has an error charged to his account this season. Though Moran dropped pop up earlier this week in foul territory.

With all things being equal, Alejo Lopez is probably the better defender. To take it one step further, I'd prefer to see Kyle Farmer at third base. However, when Donovan Solano, Jose Barrero, Mike Moustakas, Jonathan India, and Max Schrock are all on the IL, David Bell cannot afford to be very choosy.

The Cincinnati Reds will send Brandon Drury to the batters' box as the No. 2 hitter in the lineup once again on Saturday. Colin Moran will be batting seventh and playing third base.