Matt Reynolds and Alejo Lopez will be dueling for the same role in 2023

The Cincinnati Reds scored just two runs on four hits in Saturday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Two of the hits and both of the runs came courtesy of Alejo Lopez and Matt Reynolds.

Lopez put the Redlegs on the board first with an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning and Matt Reynolds ripped a single into right field during the bottom of the seventh inning that plated Stuart Fairchild.

When given the opportunities, both Lopez and Reynolds have had success in 2022. But the duo is likely to be competing for the same role on next year's roster.

Reds infielders Matt Reynolds and Alejo Lopez will be dueling for the same role in 2023.

Now there will be some among the fanbase that don' feel as though Matt Reynolds will be back in 2023. That seems unlikely as his versatility and contract status coupled with his productivity seem like the perfect fit for the Cincinnati Reds next season.

Reynolds, who just returned from the IL a few days ago, is hitting .253 on the season, but over the last seven games, the former New York Mets infielder is slashing .375/.444/.438. Reynolds has also played every single position possible with the exception of catcher.

Alejo Lopez, who's cooled off a bit lately, has been very productive in limited appearances for the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. The 26-year-old has an OPS of .723 on the season and has seen time at both second and third base as well as the corner outfield.

Both Reynolds and Lopez are likely to be on the Cincinnati Reds offseason roster and each has a case to be one of the team's top utility options in 2023. For Reynolds, there's the veteran presence with the ability to play almost anywhere. As for Lopez, there is positional versatility and the ability to bat from either side of the plate.

The biggest difference is that Reynolds is out of minor league options while Lopez is not. If it comes to make a decision for next year's Opening Day roster and it comes down to Reynolds and Lopez, look for Reynolds to get the nod.

With so many young players coming up through the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Matt Reynolds and Alejo Lopez won't be the only players battling for playing time. One should assume hat Jose Barrero, Kyle Farmer, and Spencer Steer will be in that boat as well. Other than Jonathan India and Joey Votto on the right side, the Reds infield heading into 2023 is very much up in the air.