Ice-cold Reds infielder Colin Moran may soon be headed back to the minor leagues

Colin Moran had his moment in the sun earlier this month with a six-RBI performance against his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. But with Joey Votto back from the Injured List, Moran's playing time has been zapped.

Since Votto returned to the Cincinnati Reds lineup last week in his hometown of Toronto, Moran has appeared in five games with just two starts. The left-handed hitting infielder is 1-for-9 with three strikeouts during that time.

Moran was out of the lineup again on Thursday versus the Chicago Cubs as David Ross sent left-hander Justin Steele to the mound. With Votto back on the active roster and Mike Moustakas finally beginning to justify the massive contract he signed in 2019, it may not be long before Moran is optioned to Triple-A.

Reds infielder Colin Moran may soon be headed back to the minor leagues.

Believe it or not, Colin Moran still has minor league options remaining. It seems like the 29-year-old has been in the big leagues forever. If the Reds wish to keep Moran in the organization but open up a spot on the roster for one of their returning players, optioning the infielder to Triple-A might be the best option.

Jose Barrero and Jake Fraley are currently on rehab assignments at Triple-A Louisville. While Fraley is an outfielder, he was brought to Cincinnati for the same reason as Moran; to give the Reds a left-handed presence in the lineup versus right-handed pitchers.

Barrero will probably split time with Kyle Farmer upon his return to Cincinnati. Optioning Moran to the minors would afford the Reds the ability to play Farmer, Mike Moustakas, or Brandon Drury at third base and Joey Votto at first. Farmer or Moose could always take over at first base if Votto needed a day off.

Moran has been slumping of late, and perhaps getting routine at-bats with the Louisville Bats would do the New York native some good. In his last seven games, Moran has an OPS of just .465 and has five strikeouts in 16 at-bats.