Terry Francona foolishly keeps making one Reds lineup call fans can’t defend

Sal Stewart joined the Cincinnati Reds roster little over a week ago, but has been in and out of the starting lineup over the past few days. Since his debut on September 1, Stewart has appeared in six games with just four starts.

Stewart hit safely in three of his four starts, and has come on as a pinch hitter in two other games since his call-up last week. He was arguably the best hitter in the entire Reds organization heading into the month of September, yet Terry Francona has decided to play him sparingly since his promotion.

This is utter nonsense, and Francona needs to adjust his starting lineup accordingly. While it can be difficult to offer sufficient playing time to every player currently on the roster, the Reds didn't promote Stewart to the big-league roster just to watch him sit on the bench.

Terry Francona foolishly keeps leaving Sal Stewart out of the Reds starting lineup, and fans can’t defend it

On Monday, Stewart was out of the lineup for the third time in six days while Spencer Steer nabbed the start at first base. FanDuel Sports Network broadcaster John Sadak was touting Steer's numbers against the San Diego Padres only to watch the Reds first baseman go 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Stewart pinch-hit for Jose Trevino late in the game, but after striking out, was replaced by Tyler Stephenson.

Even if Francona wants to keep Steer's glove on the field — which is understandable — the Reds' skipper can simply slot Stewart in the lineup as the team's DH. Stewart also has experience at second and third base, meaning Francona should be able to find creative ways to get the rookie's bat into the lineup.

Here's a novel idea; with nearly every so-called expert claiming that Elly De La Cruz looks tired, why not give him a day off? The Reds could then shift Matt McLain to shortstop, play Steer at first base, and give Stewart at look at second base. Seems like a logical solution to the problem, doesn't it?

Should Stewart be in the lineup every day? Yes, though most rational fans can understand the idea of giving him at least one day off per week. But to sit him in three of the last six games is just plain foolish, and in turn, gives the 21-year-old no real way to maintain any sort of rhythm at the dish.

There are umpteen different ways to get Stewart's bat into the Reds lineup on a regular basis, and it's up to Francona to figure out how. Leaving him on the bench should not be an option.

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