The Cincinnati Reds enjoyed a break on Friday, but David Bell’s team is ready to hit the field again on Saturday, aiming for a repeat of their impressive performance against the Washington Nationals on Opening Day.
However, Saturday’s game will present a different challenge as the Nationals will have a left-handed pitcher, Patrick Corbin, on the mound. In response, Bell will likely opt for a lineup dominated by right-handed hitters, as is often the case. Nonetheless, there will be exceptions.
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Surprisingly, Will Benson will be part of Saturday’s lineup despite Corbin’s pitching. Benson, typically sidelined when facing left-handed pitchers, revealed during spring training that he had asked Bell for more opportunities against them in 2024. It seems that Bell is accommodating Benson’s request, indicating a strategic shift in the Reds’ lineup approach.
Reds manager David Bell grants Will Benson his 2024 wish
Benson made it to the Reds’ Opening Day lineup, batting right behind leadoff hitter Jonathan India. However, he’ll have to wait a bit longer for his at-bats against the Nationals on Saturday, as Bell has moved Benson down to the No. 9 spot in the batting order.
While some Reds fans may not be thrilled with the change, it’s worth noting that Benson struggled consistently when facing left-handed pitching during the 2023 season. His batting average against lefties was just .146/.205/.194 last year. However, there’s reason for optimism this spring as Benson showed significant improvement. In Cactus League games, he posted a much better line of .286/.444/.643 in 14 at-bats against left-handed pitchers.
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This may seem like a small adjustment, but it’s likely a significant one for Benson. Notably, Nick Martini, who had a stellar Opening Day with two home runs, is absent from the lineup, as is left-handed outfielder Jake Fraley. Interestingly, Benson stands out as the sole pure left-handed hitter on Bell’s lineup card, with both Elly De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario being switch hitters.
If Benson manages to perform well against Corbin on Saturday, it could greatly enhance his prospects of becoming an everyday player. Benson requested these opportunities, and Bell is affording him the chance to capitalize on them.
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