This Cincinnati Red Has Been Soaring Recently

Cincinnati unceremoniously traded for Santiago Espinal a week before the start of the season. The move came relatively soon after the Reds learned about Noelvi Marte’s suspension.

It also came after concerns arose about Matt McLain’s health. Of course, the Reds got the worst news regarding McLain. Following shoulder surgery, McLain has been out for the year.

Espinal was pretty clearly brought in to be a depth option for the Reds. But all the injuries basically made Espinal an every day starter. The utility man has played 80 games, at second, short, third and left field.

The 29 year old did not provide anything for most of the year. Espinal could not hit at all and he was a below average fielder but the Reds’ infield issues meant that they had no choice but to keep playing him.

Espinal’s stats show how terrible he was in the first three months of the season. He had a .522 OPS heading into July. He hit rock bottom in June. Espinal had a .420 OPS in the month of June. Reds fans were, understandably, very frustrated with Espinal’s lack of production. Fans used the trade for Espinal as an example of how the Reds front office was failing them.

Despite all the noise, Espinal kept working. He finally started turning things around. Espinal began really hitting.

Since the start of July, Espinal has the highest OPS of anyone in the National League with at least 60 at bats. He has an incredible 1.132 OPS since the start of July.

Espinal had a pinch hit RBI single on July eighth. That kicked off an 11 game hit streak. His OPS since the eighth is at 1.336. That also leads all of the NL.

On July seventh, Espinal’s OPS for the year was .497. His batting average was .183. Now, Espinal’s average stands at .247. His OPS is .672.

Espinal has starkly improved. It is nice to see the 29 year old finally feel comfortable in Cincinnati.

It is also interesting that in wins, Espinal has a .879 OPS. In losses, his OPS is only .510. It appears that, as Espinal goes, so go the Reds.