Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Reds are focused on holding onto the wildcard slot they currently have while trying to run down the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals for the division lead. Considering their serious aspirations, they really don’t have time for September try-outs for their roster expansion call-ups. Dusty Baker and his crew decided to go with three experienced minor leaguers in the first round of September call-ups which was a very good move.
Derrick Robinson spend a lot of time at the major league level this year and the outfielder will get another chance to do some limited damage in the bigs in September. They also called up relief pitcher Curtis Partch and second baseman Henry Rodriguez. All three have had their time at the majors this season. That makes a lot of sense for a team that is well into the hunt for the National League Central and holding off contenders for the N.L. wildcard.
They don’t have time to stick young guys in there that have zero experience. For pickup relief spots Partch will draw on the MLB time he has had so far and that will make his effectiveness easier. The same is true for Rodriguez and Robinson who won’t shy away because of a debut moment or anything. There surely will be a time for Billy Hamilton to show up down the stretch but for now I think Baker and the Reds made the best choice they could.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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