Cincinnati.com · May 31, 2021
Utility player Max Schrock powers the Cincinnati Reds to a win over the Phillies
Before the Cincinnati Reds game on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies, Reds manager David Bell explained why utility player Max Schrock was batting fifth in the batting order.
Schrock had never hit higher than sixth, but he was in Monday’s lineup above other left-handed hitters like catcher Tucker Barnhart and outfielder Shogo Akiyama. While Schrock was the only player in Monday’s starting lineup who has had multiple stints in Triple-A this season, Bell had a reason for batting him fifth.
“(Schrock) can hit a fastball,” Bell said before the game. “When you can do that, you always have a chance.”