Reds insult their fanbase with latest lineup stunt

The Cincinnati Reds had their chance, and they blew it. The Reds released their starting lineup Friday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, and Sal Stewart's name was nowhere to be found. Reds fans have been begging for weeks to see the team's top prospect make his Major League debut, but they'll have to wait at least one more day, and probably more.

Worse yet, the Reds inserted Santiago Espinal into the starting lineup at second base — a position Stewart's played the past two days in the minor leagues. Espinal has been one of the Reds' worst hitters this season with a .244/.295/.285 slash line and 59 wRC+.

On the other hand, there's not a hotter hitter in the entire Reds organization than Stewart. The former first-round pick has been hitting the cover off the ball at Triple-A and has 10 home runs since making his Louisville Bats debut last month while hitting .313/.397/.642 in 36 games.

Reds humiliate their fanbase — keep Sal Stewart in the minors and put Santiago Espinal in the starting lineup

There were already numerous Reds fans who were furious after the team refused to promote Stewart prior to Cincinnati's 10-day road trip. That said, thrusting a young, inexperienced prospect into an unfamiliar position during a grueling a West Coast road trip, while the team is battling for a playoff spot, isn't exactly the best way to introduce a player into the big leagues.

But the Reds' nine-game homestand was the perfect setting. Not only are the Reds facing a left-hander on Friday night — Stewart has a .344/.476/.719 slash line against lefties at Triple-A this season — but both Espinal and Matt McLain are struggling mightily. Espinal is hitting a pathetic .083 over his last seven games, and McLain has a .160/.214/.160 slash line over his last 10.

At this rate, it's questionable whether or not Stewart will even receive a September call-up — something he definitely deserves. Reds fans will surely be unhappy with the front office's decision, especially given the lack of firepower in the lineup of late.

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