Reds treatment of Will Benson has fans reaching a breaking point

Heading into play on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, Will Benson hasn't started a game for the Cincinnati Reds since August 1. Granted he spent about two weeks in the minor leagues after being optioned to Triple-A in early-August, but the point is that Benson has been little more than a defensive replacement since returning to the active roster on August 17.

Since that time, Benson has seen the field 13 times and received just 12 plate appearances. Quite frankly, considering he's barely played during that stretch, it's amazing that he's even been able to maintain a .333 on-base percentage.

Reds fans love Benson's hustle and heart, but he's essentially been shoved into a corner since returning to the active roster. Even Santiago Espinal has received an obligatory start about once every two weeks. The Reds treatment of Benson has fans pulling their hair out.

Reds treatment of Will Benson has fans reaching a breaking point

The Cincinnati fanbase has questioned Terry Francona's handling of Benson since the season began. Things got even more intense after Benson was effectively benched following a near-home run against the Colorado Rockies that turned into an RBI triple.

Benson admired his game-tying base hit a little too long for Tito's liking, and the Reds skipper addressed it after the game. Is that still fueling Benson's lack of playing time almost two months later?

It seemed like a forgone conclusion that Benson would get more playing time once the Reds decided to designate Jake Fraley for assignment. Unfortunately, that didn't trigger an increase in starts for Benson, and instead both Gavin Lux and Austin Hays have been sharing time in left field. Noelvi Marte's move to right field has taken away opportunities from Benson as well.

Benson still has minor-league options remaining heading into next season, but he is arbitration eligible for the first time this winter. Despite a down-year and lack of playing time, non-tendering Benson this offseason would seem somewhat extreme, wouldn't it?

Benson's been in Francona's doghouse already this season, and while the Reds manager undoubtedly has his reasons, the Cincinnati faithful are beginning to ask questions. Benson's future heading into the upcoming offseason is murky to say the least.

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