Hard-hitting outfielder Tommy Pham and the Reds look to take their frustrations out on the visiting Dodgers

Reds outfielder Tommy Pham is riding some kind of hot streak,

No Cincinnati Reds player has done more damage at the plate over the last two weeks than Tommy Pham. Over his last 15 games, the 34-year-old right-handed slugger is slashing .328/.409/.586 with four round-trippers. Needless to say, Pham has enjoyed his first season in the Queen City.

In 95 at-bats at GABP, the Vegas native has produced a .284/.393/.474 slash line and has left the yard five times. However, Pham may be best utilized as a designated hitter.

Granted it's a small sample size, but Pham has crushed the ball when limited to strictly DH duties. He's homered three times and produced a staggering 1.079 OPS in 29 at-bats as a designated hitter. Offense is Pham's calling card.

Throughout his career, Tommy Pham has been a below-average defender. Only once since the 2016 season has Pham compiled an Outs Above Average (OAA) number above the league average according to Baseball Savant. It could be argued he was one of the worst defensive outfielders in the game as recently as 2019 when he was saddled with a staggering -11 OAA. Yikes.

Considering David Bell has the option of using Nick Senzel, Albert Almora Jr., and Matt Reynolds in the outfield, all of whom are above-average defenders, it makes little sense to expose Pham's weaknesses more than necessary. Let Pham do what he does best and relegate his use to the batter's box.

Prediction: Reds vs. Dodgers

It may appear to be a mismatch on paper, but the Dodgers are going to see the best arms the Reds have to offer. However, it still won't be enough to secure the series for the Redlegs.

Look for LA to take two of three from the Reds to conclude a disastrous 1-5 homestand before Cincinnati prepares for the long flight to the Bay Area to battle the San Francisco Giants beginning Friday night.