Jason Vosler's early-season breakout could force this Reds player to the minor leagues

It's Jason Vosler's world and we're just living in it. Vosler, who was a non-roster invitee to spring training earlier this year, was thrust into action on Monday night after Jose Barrero's early-exit.

In his second at-bat, against a left-handed pitcher no less, Vosler sent an opposite-field three-run jack over the wall in left center and gave the Cincinnati Reds a 7-6 lead over the Chicago Cubs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Vosler has been quite the surprise in the early-going. While the 29-year-old was initially just a placeholder until Joey Votto returned from his rehab assignment, Vosler's success early on will likely force this Reds player back to the minors.

Jason Vosler's early-season breakout could force Reds OF Will Benson back to the minors.

When Joey Votto, and to a lesser extent, Nick Senzel are ready to return from their respective rehab stints in the minor leagues, the Cincinnati Reds must make some roster moves. While big things were expected from Will Benson in 2023, his lack of success and playing time in the early-going may necessitate a trip to the minor leagues.

Benson, who's yet to get a hit or even reach base through the first four games of the 2023 season, has minor league options remaining. Benson is 0-for-8 with six Ks. While the former Cleveland Guardians outfielder can still contribute this season, the Reds will have no choice but to ride the hot hitting of Jason Vosler.

With Benson, like Vosler, being a left-handed batter, it stands to reason that the 24-year-old would be optioned to Triple-A when Votto is declared fully healthy. Another option would be utility outfielder Stuart Fairchild, but the former second-round pick will probably hang on to his roster spot until Senzel returns from the IL.

Moving Will Benson, and eventually Stuart Fairchild, back to the minors could create a gut of infielders on the Cincinnati Reds roster. But with Nick Senzel getting a look as a corner outfielder and Jose Barrero seeing time in center field, David Bell will be able to mix and match the lineup enough that all positions will be covered.

The bottom line is that Jason Vosler is hitting too well at the moment to option him back to the minor leagues. When Joey Votto returns to the lineup, somebody will be sent down I-71 to Louisville, and it won't be Vosler.