We have run through the storyline several times at this juncture. Only after Eugenio Suarez was traded, after starters Mike Moustakas and Jonathan India fell with injuries, after backups Max Schrock and Donovan Solano were sidelined for months, and after uberprospect Jose Barrero needed surgery on his list did the Cincinnati Reds turn to Brandon Drury, the journeyman infielder whose career bWAR entering the 2022 season sat at -0.5 through 7 seasons of work at the big league level.
For all that has gone wrong this season for the Reds, it’s been this long chain of command that has paid off in spades so far.