The Cincinnati Reds got off to a hot start to the season, cooled down, warmed up, cooled down, and so on like pizza after a Friday night sleepover. Relying so completely on the long ball has been part of the issue. So has been the reluctance to ride the hot bat.
Looking back over the season, bench players Patrick Kivlehan, Arismendys Alcantara, and Scooter Gennett have all had hot streaks. Only Gennett, whose streak lasted the entire month of June, was able to break through to consistent playing time. In fact, it may have taken the initial injury to Zack Cozart for that look to remain consistent.