After Jonathan India spent 6 weeks on the IL, facing Eric Lauer might be just what the doctor ordered
Jonathan India has only played in 13 games this season. The Cincinnati Reds second baseman has endured two separate stints on the Injured List and returned to the roster last week after outfielder Aristides Aquino hit the IL after suffering a calf injury.
India returned to the Reds lineup on Tuesday, going 1-for-4 with an RBI double. Wednesday's matinee in the desert saw India get another base hit. This time it was an RBI single.
Jonathan India would love nothing more than a chance to get back to being the type of player he knows he can be. Tonight's matchup against Milwaukee Brewers starter Eric Lauer could be just what the doctor ordered.
Will the Brewers visit to GABP help jumpstart Reds' 2B Jonathan India?
While Jonathan India seems to play his best baseball against the St. Louis Cardinals (.354/.440/.585), facing Eric Lauer has been something the Cincinnati Reds second baseman enjoys doing as well.
Last year, India was 4-for-7 versus Lauer with a double, a walk, and no strikeouts. India's teammate, Tommy Pham, has also hit .571 with four hits in eight plate appearances against Lauer.
The Reds need something to jumpstart India's season. Again, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year has spend about 75% of the season on the Injured List with a strained hamstring. Now 100% healthy, India will be looking to do some damage as the Redlegs return home to Great American Ball Park.
This weekend, the Milwaukee Brewers will not be sending Corbin Burnes to the hill, and both Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta are on the IL. The Cincinnati Reds have a great chance to outlast the Brew Crew this weekend with Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft both toeing the rubber.
Without Milwaukee's three-headed monster dealing this weekend, perhaps Jonathan India can get on track. Adrian Houser will pose a much more difficult task on Sunday. India has just one hit in six at-bats versus the right-hander.