Reds quietly solve one glaring lineup problem just before trade deadline expires

The Cincinnati Reds waited until the last minute, but finally picked up a right-handed bat to help balance out the lineup. According to Ari Alexander, the Reds have acquired Miguel Andujar from the Athletics in exchange for pitching prospect Kenya Huggins. The right-handed hitting utility player will likely slot in as a platoon bat against left-handed pitching.

Reds fans were getting nervous as the 6 p.m. ET deadline was quickly approaching, but this move will help solidify the lineup heading into the second-half of the season. Andujar can play multiple positions, but is probably best suited to take his hacks as the Reds' designated hitter when a southpaw is on the bump.

Reds quietly solve one glaring lineup problem with deal for Miguel Andujar just before trade deadline expires

The Reds have been abysmal against left-handed pitching this season, hitting just .218/.297/.344 against lefties. Cincinnati's lineup is left-handed heavy, especially in the outfield with Lux, TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley all batting from the left side. Adding Andujar to the mix, even if only to be the DH, will certainly help.

The Reds had already beefed up their defense with the acquisition of Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes on Wednesday. The Reds also added starting pitcher Zack Littell from the Tampa Bay Rays, and in turn, will supplement the relief corps by moving Nick Martinez and (eventually) Chase Burns into the bullpen. Andujar, though not flashy, fixes one of the of the Reds' biggest needs.

The Reds are likely to option Connor Joe back to the minors once Andujar arrives from Sacramento, and then Cincinnati's front office will have to decide between Santiago Espinal and Benson once Friedl returns from paternity leave later this week.

The Reds did what they wanted to do at the deadline— upgraded the defense, lengthen the rotation, added depth to the bullpen, and increased their production against left-handed pitching. Now, can Terry Francona and the 26 players in that clubhouse turn it into a trip to the playoffs? We'll have to wait and see.

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