Reds must make disheartening (but necessary) move as Jake Fraley's struggles mount

Few people can understand all that Jake Fraley has gone through over the past year-plus. The Cincinnati Reds outfielder endured a gut-wrenching situation with his family last year that, thankfully, seems to be trending in a positive direction.

And while Fraley should be commended for how he handled his business last season amidst so much unrest away from the field, his performance on the field has been terribly unproductive. Fraley has just two hit in 18 at-bats this season — including an RBI single during the Reds' parade against the Texas Rangers on Monday night.

There were moments last season when Reds fans began to clamor for Fraley to be sent down to Triple-A, but anyone who was able to put themselves in his shoes understood that perhaps the best thing for him was to be surrounded by his teammates.

Reds must make disheartening (but necessary) move as Jake Fraley's struggles mount

But at some point, the sentimentality of the situation has to take a backseat to reality. Fraley's bat is hurting the Reds lineup that's already without Tyler Stephenson and Austin Hays, not to mention a limited Spencer Steer.

No one is going to argue that Fraley is one of the Reds' best leaders — on and off the field — and an above-average defender in the outfield. But Fraley ranked in the 10th percentile or lower in expected slugging percentage, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate last season. His fortunes haven't changed much this season with only two of his 12 batted balls coming off the bat at more than 90 mph.

As difficult as it may be, Cincinnati needs to option Fraley to Triple-A Louisville and recall one of Will Benson or Rece Hinds. Seeing as a lefty-for-lefty swap would make the most sense, bringing back Benson would seem to make the most sense. The former Cleveland Guardians farmhand is hitting .421 with an 1.105 OPS in four minor-league games.

Reds manager Terry Francona told Cincinnati reported Charlie Goldsmith that Fraley had been trying to make some swing adjustments during spring training, but that may be something he needs to work on in Louisville. Unpopular as this type of move may be in the Reds clubhouse, it's necessary.

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