Reds pitcher Luke Weaver has this favorable stat on his side despite poor performance of late

Luke Weaver is a winner. I know that's odd to hear after watching the right-hander's latest performance, but it's true.

In fact, the Cincinnati Reds have won the past six games Weaver has started despite the fact that he owns a 9.11 ERA in those six outings.

Thankfully for Weaver, the Reds hitters have produced an average of 8.33 runs per game during his last six starts. While a lot of fans have called for Weaver to be designated for assignment or moved to the bullpen, the Reds don't have any other option but to keep the veteran out to the mound every fifth day.

Reds pitcher Luke Weaver has this favorable stat on his side despite poor performance.

Look, there's no easy way around it; Luke Weaver has been dreadful for the better part of a month. Weaver hasn't delivered a quality start since May 25th and opponents are hitting nearly .350 off the 29-year-old over his last six starts.

But it seems like the Cincinnati Reds bats have a little extra juice when Weaver toes the rubber. The last two games Weaver has started, Cincinnati has scored 22 total runs, and did so against very formidable opponents (Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles).

Now, this isn't to suggest that the Reds need to keep running Weaver out to the mound because Cincinnati happens to wind up with the W, but where else does David Bell have to turn?

It sounds as if the price for quality starting pitching on the trade market is too rich for the Reds blood at the moment, and a trio of Cincinnati starters (Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Ben Lively) are on the IL. While Lively may return sooner rather than later, Greene and Lodolo are likely sidelined until August.

The Cincinnati Reds don't have any viable options down at Triple-A either. While some fans are advocating to see Connor Phillips make his major league debut, the right-hander just received a promotion to Triple-A, so you'll have to put in a pin in that for the time being.

Sorry Reds fans, Luke Weaver is it for the time being. While his win-loss record on the season is 1-2, the Cincinnati Reds as a team are 8-5 in his 13 starts. Perhaps they can run that record to 9-5 this next week when Weaver likely takes the ball against the Washington Nationals.