Offensive struggles have Alan Zinter counseling as much as coaching for the Reds

Alan Zinter doesn’t travel with a couch. But the fixture in the psychotherapist’s offices might come in handy in Zinter’s job as the Cincinnati Reds hitting coach. The Reds hitters throughout the lineup are struggling almost without exception.

That means a lot of coaching on the mental side – encouraging, listening.

“That’s probably the biggest part of our job,” Zinter said.

The Reds entered Monday’s game last in Major League Baseball in batting average at .207. Since the interruption following a positive COVID-19 test, they have scored a total of 15 runs with 27 hits in six games.

“There’s no question we’ve been inconsistent on the offensive side,” Zinter said. “But there’s no doubt these guys…