The Cincinnati Reds play the series Final against the Washington Nationals this afternoon. They’ve split the first two games 8-2 Reds, 7-6 Nationals yesterday in a come-from-behind win in the ninth by the Nationals who scored three runs in the ninth of Closer Alexis Diaz. While the team was disappointed yesterday with the blown save, the team has had two hot starts that come as unexpected.
RF – Nick Martini
Martini is on the team right now due to injuries to T.J. Friedl who’s out with a fractured wrist and Matt McLain who is on the IL with a shoulder issue. While lucky to be on the team currently or not Martini is mixing it up for the Reds. In game one he had two home runs with five RBIs while going 2-4 on the day from the DH spot. Yesterday he pinch-hit when the team was tied and doubled to deep right driving in two more runs. He now has seven RBIs, one double, two home runs, and is hitting .600 in the early season. Regardless of what happens when people start to get healthy, Martini is going to make a serious case for a role with this Reds team moving forward.
2B – Jonathan India
India spent last year with injuries hampering his production. He entered spring training without a clear role with this team. He was rumored to be traded, then rumored to be moving to the outfield. Then Noelvi Matte was suspended, clearing a path to DH at-bats. Then McLain suffered his injury which opened up his path to be the starting second baseman. India went 1-4 with a walk on opening day from the leadoff spot. Yesterday he hit leadoff again going 2-4 with an RBI. India seems relaxed at the plate and his approach is benefiting from his new approach. During yesterday’s broadcast, the mention of becoming a new girl dad put things into perspective for India. Instead of spending hours after the game working on things he felt he needed to improve, he is now heading home to be with his new daughter. Perhaps this gift of being a father will eliminate some of the unnecessary wear and tear on his body. With this fresh outlook perhaps a return to his rookie-of-the-year output is possible.
Wrap up
Even though the Reds should be 2-0 on the early season, these two above have eliminated some early concerns on how the team will replace the production from Friedl and McLain as they recover from their injuries. This Reds team is deep and perhaps deeper than originally thought. David Bell has options with the lineup and this will lead to some difficult decisions once guys start to get healthy.
