Predicting the Reds starting lineup versus left-handed pitchers

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell loves to play the matchups. That doesn't necessarily sit well with a certain contingent of Reds fans, but if the iPad tells him to do something, by golly Bell is going to listen to the technology.

Fans will see several players as part of the Reds everyday lineup regardless of who the opposing pitcher is. But there are a handful of players, I'm looking at you Jake Fraley, who has no business being in the starting lineup when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound.

With that in mind, Bell's lineup card will look a little different when a southpaw in on the bump instead of a right-handed pitcher. What will the Reds starting lineup look like against left-handed pitching? (Note: This is under the assumption that both Joey Votto and Nick Senzel are unavailable).

Predicting the Reds starting lineup vs. left-handed pitchers

1. Jonathan India, 2B

There are a lot of Reds fans who would love to see Jake Fraley batting atop the Cincinnati lineup. That's certainly not a bad choice, but against left-handed pitching, it's just not going to happen. Fraley posted an OPS of .861 against right-handed hurlers in 2022, but just .476 against southpaws.

During his rookie season, Jonathan India took off once David Bell inserted him into the leadoff spot. India admitted to chasing home runs in 2022, but is focused on getting back to the player he was during the 2021 season. Look for India to bat leadoff against lefties in 2023.

2. Spencer Steer, 3B

Finding a spot for Spencer Steer won't be hard on the defensive side of things. It appears as though the former Minnesota Twins farmhard will get the lion's share of starts at the hot corner. But where might Steer fit into the batting order?

Steer posted a .515 slugging percentage in the minor leagues last season and saw an increase in both his batting average and on-base percentage from his 2021 minor-league campaign. Steer's spot in the batting order might be a bit fluid for the first several weeks of the 2023 season.

3. Wil Myers, RF

Wil Myers was the Cincinnati Reds biggest addition this past offseason. The former San Diego Padres outfielder could see plenty of time at first base until Joey Votto returns to the lineup, but the lack of right-handed hitting outfielders will likely see Myers occupy right field against left-handed pitchers.

Myers is one of the few power bats in the Cincinnati lineup and probably slot behind Votto in the clean up spot once the former MVP returns. Until then, look for Myers to bat third in the Reds lineup.