How will Reds deal with Votto’s return?

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it frequently in your inbox.

HOUSTON — As the Reds and their younger stars have surged into contender standing within the National League Central this month, it was simple to surprise how the membership may accommodate its most veteran star — Joey Votto — as soon as he’s activated from the injured checklist. That day could possibly be as quickly as Monday. 

Add the returns of Nick Senzel, Jake Fraley and Wil Myers, and there is a Reds roster logjam for normal supervisor Nick Krall and supervisor David Bell to type out.

“It is an efficient downside to have,” Bell said. “It’s one thing you actually need to make the fitting resolution on as a result of we’ve gamers who’re taking part in effectively. We have good gamers prepared to come back again that may assist us.”

Senzel was the primary participant to return from an harm on Friday. When he was activated, Jose Barrero was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. It was a straightforward name, since Barrero’s taking part in time had been significantly decreased because the arrivals of Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. 

But the choices solely get more durable from there.

Fraley was activated on Sunday after lacking time with a proper wrist contusion. Votto and Myers will comply with. And down the road — doubtless sooner reasonably than later — the membership will need to promote slugging prospect and nook infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Louisville. 

How will the entire items match? What turns into of gamers similar to Senzel, Spencer Steer, Kevin Newman, Stuart Fairchild, Will Benson and others?

“That’s a great question. I don’t know,” Senzel stated. “There’s a lot of tough decisions I’m sure are going to be coming up for them. But I know if [it takes] our attention, then it really does nothing but not focus here on the present moment. What we’ve got going here is way more important.”

With De La Cruz getting most of his time at third base, and TJ Friedl having cemented himself in middle subject, Senzel goes to maneuver across the subject in a super-utility function the place he can play third base, second base and all three outfield spots. 

“I show up and they tell me where I’m at. And that’s where I’m going to go,” Senzel stated. “Because we’ve got a really good club and got a lot of talented players. And we need everyone to contribute, and I anticipate probably moving around.”

Steer, who has performed principally first base this season, will doubtless shift to left subject but in addition might transfer across the infield. His bat has change into too priceless to maintain out of the lineup. 

“I’m just doing what it takes to stay in the lineup,” Steer said. “I know [Bell] has got a lineup in his head that is best for this team and helps us win ballgames. If that’s me at first base, me at left field or any other spot, that’s the guy I will be and continue to be — play where I’m asked.”

Steer is tied with Jonathan India for the staff lead in homers and has been one among its extra constant hitters. 

“If you produce offensively, you’re going to stay in the lineup,” he said. “At the same time, defense will help win ballgames, too. I will try to stay sharp on both sides of the ball and do my best to be out there every day.”

As for a number of the others, the membership might look to commerce from its depth because it wants rotation and bullpen assist. Those with Minor League choices might get despatched down.

“Nothing has been determined yet, but they are important decisions,” Bell stated.

On the pitching aspect, Graham Ashcraft (left calf contusion) is anticipated to be again subsequent weekend. The Reds do not need to use a six-man rotation, so somebody should go.

“That has not been determined,” Bell stated. “There will likely be some transferring elements this week.”

Bell could have yet another resolution to make after Votto returns from his rehab task at Louisville. Where ought to he bat within the lineup? Votto has usually batted second, third or fourth all through his Hall of Fame-caliber profession. But batting him forward of speedsters similar to Steer, McLain, Fraley or De La Cruz would gradual them down if Votto is on base forward of them. 

Don’t be shocked if Votto bats sixth.

“It’s a matter of days, no matter how you look at it,” Bell stated of the veteran’s return. “We will see him quickly.”