Last season, the Reds bench was bad. Really bad. In 228 plate appearances, Reds pinch hitters hit .214/.270/.277, with 44 hits, 16 walks and 12 runs scored. Pinch hitters for the Reds in 2017 are hitting .252/.287/.408 with 26 hits, five walks and eight runs scored in 109 plate appearances. While not the biggest improvement, it’s an upgrade from 2016.
One reason for the improvement has been Scooter Gennett, the 27-year-old utility infielder whom the Reds claimed off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers at the end of spring training. Throughout the first half of 2017, he’s provided much-needed help off the bench and as a fill-in replacement for anyone who goes on the disabled list.