Reds need to clear a path for Héctor Rodríguez before the trade deadline

The Cincinnati Reds won't be able to keep Héctor Rodríguez in the minor leagues for much longer. The 22-year-old hit for the cycle last week, and then followed that up with a two-home run performance the following night. Rodríguez is red-hot, and Reds fans might be wondering why he hasn't been called up yet.

Unfortunately, the Reds only have so many spots in the starting lineup to go around, and it's going to be difficult to find consistent playing time for Rodríguez with the way the roster is currently constructed.

But while Rodríguez may not have a spot in the Reds starting lineup at the moment, Cincinnati can only kick the can down the road for so long.

JJ Bleday is enjoying a renaissance season in Cincinnati and is locked in as the No. 2 hitter in the Reds' batting order. He's not going anywhere. Blake Dunn — despite his defensive gaffes on Friday night — has played extremely well since being recalled last month. Noelvi Marte offered yet another glimpse of what he can provide with his home run in the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The aforementioned trio of Bleday, Dunn, and Marte would appear to be safe (for now). Spencer Steer, Cincinnati's jack-of-all-trades, can also play both outfield corners, and super-sub Dane Myers offers tremendous upside defensively and has a history of success against left-handed pitching.

Héctor Rodríguez could alter Reds' trade deadline plans

The easiest way to get Rodríguez's bat into the Reds starting lineup would be to recall him to the active roster, option Will Benson back to Triple-A, and relegate Dunn to a bench role. Benson's play of late hasn't given the Reds much reason to keep him around.

Going all the way back to the start of May, Benson is hitting just .208/.323/.358 with a 36.5% strikeout rate and is virtually unplayable against left-handed pitching. Cincinnati already optioned TJ Friedl back to the minors after a disappointing start to the season.

It's important for Cincinnati to see what they have in Rodríguez before the August 3 deadline. Not that he'd be moved in trade deadline deal, but if Rodríguez shows that he can handle Major League pitching, it could prompt the Reds' front office to move another one of their outfielders.

Bleday's been a valuable addition, and is under team control for two more seasons. But how much could Cincinnati receive in return for his services at this year's deadline? A contender who's looking for a defensive-minded platoon bat might find a player like Myers attractive. Even Marte, who's long-term fit has always been in question, might draw some trade interest later this summer.

If Rodríguez is as good as advertised, he could make at least one member of the Reds' outfield expendable. But that type of deal only makes sense if Cincinnati's brass has a better understanding of how Rodríguez can adjust to the big leagues. There's no time like the present to find out.

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