Per a team release, the Reds have optioned OF Scott Schebler to Triple-A Louisville.
Schebler, 28, was recalled from Louisville in June 0f 2016 and had returned for just a single rehab assignment since. In north of 1,240 plate appearances over that span, the lefty’d put together a solid .248/.323/.457 (103 wRC+) line for the Reds with adequate defense at all three outfield spots. Even after the offseason acquisitions of Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, and the eventual promotion of IF/OF Nick Senzel, Schebler figured to be in line for at least semi-regular playing time across the grass.
Despite a career-best 14.7% walk rate, though, the slugging lefty – who bashed 30 homers for Cincy in 2017 – was off to the worst start of his career, slashing .123/.253/.222 over the season’s first 95 plate appearances. A comically low .154 BABIP may be to blame, but his hard-hit rate had cratered to a career-worst 27.8%, and Schebler was striking out more than ever before.
He’ll try to right the ship with the Bats of Triple-A Louisville, but even a turnaround won’t guarantee a return to regular at-bats – Senzel will look to lock down center, Jesse Winker has again been solid in left, and the club has every intention of sending Puig out to right field on a daily basis.
I was waiting for this to happen. Anyone happen to catch his bases-loaded AB yesterday? How does a guy step into the box in 2 strike mode when the opposing pitcher is on the ropes? He ended up tapping a nubber back to the pitcher.
On the flip side, Winker looks legit, and Senzel has a great eye, great bat speed and plays with an edge. Puig hasnt hit much but hes ok in RF for now. Reds OF looks pretty good. Lots of shakeup in Cin after blowing the 8 run lead yesterday. Funny they took it out on the hitters and not the pitchers.
What I don’t understand is all the first pitch swinging these days
It doesn’t matter the team of league
Take the first pitch, work the count, increase the pitchers pitch count, and repeat.
I’ve noticed this a lot with the Reds this year. I’m not sure if Turner Ward is wanting them to be more aggressive early to jump on pitchers trying to get that quick first strike but it’s clearly not working. The Reds offense has been embarrassing for the talent they have.
los, that’s interesting especially with a team like the Reds who’s best hitter (Votto) is known to work the count. Winker has a good eye and solid approach. Senzel has a great eye and even in his first game showed his ability to work the count and see a lot of pitches. I feel like the guys who try to jump on 1st pitch, are the all or nothing HR or K guys… and there are more and more of them every day.
The Reds hitters have a history of swinging on the first pitch! You would think the hitting coach would tell them to take the first pitch
The reds have 7 players that are all hitting 300 or better on the first pitch. Only you and thom Brennaman seem to not know this.
Stat of the day…
Schebler and Kemp haven’t performed all year so they were bound to have something happen to them. Pitching has been solid all year except for Duke and Hughes. The bullpen had a terrible night but otherwise have good. I’m disappointed that they haven’t been using Raisel in high leverage spots outside of the 8th and 9th innings like they said they would do. He should have been in after Peralta last night to try to cool off SF instead of letting them build more momentum.
Yea, overall their own has been solid. Lorenzen didnt pitch bad yesterday. A couple lil jams shots hurt him.
They should bring him back for all the Cards series.
The Reds hitters are so much better than they’ve been showing. I just wonder what they would’ve been with a healthy Scooter Gennett and Nick Senzel to start the season. .Matt Kemp and Scott Schebler have been offensive dead weight so maybe things will pick up if the lineup doesn’t have such a deep trench.