Reds outfield depth will be tested with absence of Stuart Fairchild

The Cincinnati Reds outfield took another hit on Sunday afternoon. On top of the brutal 10-3 shellacking at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Reds also lost outfielder Stuart Fairchild.

The young right fielder made an tremendous catch up against the outfield wall early in the game, but in doing so, the back of his head smacked against the padding. According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Fairchild will miss time with a concussion.

That's not going to help anything. The Reds were already without Jake Fraley, and it appears as though Michael Siani will taking Fairchild's roster spot until the 27-year-old remerges from the concussion protocol. Fairchild must sit for at least seven games.

Reds outfield depth will be tested with absence of Stuart Fairchild.

While the Cincinnati Reds could have decided to go with Jose Barrero or Nick Senzel, it looks as though Michael Siani will get the call. The 24-year-old was removed from a minor league game on Sunday shortly after it began.

Against right-handed pitchers, David Bell will likely run out the trio of Will Benson (RF), TJ Friedl (CF), and Spencer Steer (LF). With Noelvi Marte now scheduled to get the majority of starts at third base, Steer will be counted on in left field more times than not.

But against left-handed pitching, Bell's options will be much more limited. The remaining outfielders on the roster (Henry Ramos, T.J. Hopkins, and Michael Siani), have a grand total of 37 starts between them.

The Reds could always trot out Benson against left-handed pitching, but that hasn't been in the cards this season. The former Cleveland Guardians farmhand is just 2-for-22 against southpaws with five strikeouts.

The Cincinnati Reds are ready to embark on a West Coast roadtrip and will have a very limited bench, especially in the outfield. Navigating the next week will be an interesting juggling act for Reds manager David Bell.