Cincinnati Reds turn to rookies to power the club after injuries plague the regulars – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds' manager Dusty Baker on Saturday, August 11, lauded the rookies who have fared really well in the absence of veterans and regular players. He was speaking to media prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The Reds have lately dealt with injuries that prompted the team to look for other options. Rookies, therein, have come forward as a viable substitute. This is something that can be judged from the fact that the Reds occupy the first place in the National League Central ranking.
From outfielder Todd Frazier to shortstop Zack Cozart, the Reds’ rookies have surprises to offer not only for the fans, but also to the game experts. Devin Mesoraco – coming as a catcher, is also playing an important role in powering the Reds.
All these positives are something that fill the team manager with confidence.
"They've come here and they've performed well," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "They've performed well in the absence of [Rolen] and the absence of [Votto]. Frazier plays both [first and third], Cozart plays an excellent shortstop, and Mesoraco is getting better every day."
With the announcement on Saturday that Joey Votto is unlikely to show up this month due to some procedure on his knee – after the surgery that he had gone on July 17, the Reds will have to rely on the likes of Frazier and Cozart.
The team’s being atop the ranking is a reassuring thing for the Reds. But they will obviously need the players to keep performing consistently.
"We're going to need these guys to perform if we're going to go to the championship," Baker said. "It's rare that you go as far as a championship with so many rookies in the lineup, but we've got to commend our veterans and commend [the rookies] as well, knowing the job they've had to do, and performing well."
The Cincinnati Reds hope that injuries will not scuttle their bid to make it to the playoffs, and going beyond that considering the consistency that they have shown, outrivaling virtually all competitors in the National League so far.
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