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BALTIMORE — The fielding for Cincinnati’s baseball team is starting to feel a lot like the weather.
If you don’t like what you see, give it a few minutes.
In fact, a new system might be rolling in by the end of the weekend for the Cincinnati Reds infield, with Spencer Steer on deck to return to a defensive position for the first time since last season after rehabbing his shoulder for the last seven weeks.
“It feels good. I’m very close,” said Steer, who was in the lineup as the designated hitter Friday night for the series opener against the Orioles and closing in on a 2025 position debut at first base, perhaps by the time the team leaves town Sunday night.
“And then in the outfield hopefully soon after that,” Steer said. “Got to walk before we run.”
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Steer, who played through shoulder discomfort all last year, didn’t shake his shoulder problems until shutting down during spring training, getting a cortisone shot and then rehabbing his mechanics.
He has batted exclusively as the DH in 15 games this season (through Friday).
“It’s been a lot on his plate,” manager Terry Francona said. “When he started to play — which is going to be pretty soon — he’s still going to have to stay on a program.”
Soon? Like Saturday or Sunday?
“We’ll see,” Francona said. “I’m not good at timetables. We tried to be really good with him, so I don’t want to get all this way and do something wrong.”
Bench/infield coach Freddie Benavides said he expects Steer’s return to the field to “definitely” help a team fielding effort that has had sloppy lapses in the early going despite generally improved play over last season’s shaky overall performance.
“Especially with Christian out right now” Benavides said. “It’ll be great to get him back on the field.”
First baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand went on the injured list Thursday because of lower back inflammation.
The Reds rank among the top three teams in the majors in several defensive metrics despite committing 14 errors, the third-highest total in the National League.
Four of those came Thursday in their sloppiest game of the season, costing them six unearned runs in an 11-7, 10-inning loss.
Six of the errors in the first 19 games belong to Elly De La Cruz. Four more were committed by three pitchers.
“I think you’ve seen some PFP’s that were messed up,” Benavides said. “Other than (Thursday’s) game, which was tough to watch, I think they’ve performed pretty good overall.
“Can it be better? Of course, it can. But it’s been a nice job other than (Thursday).”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fielding reinforcements on tap for Cincinnati Reds in Spencer Steer
Continue reading...
If you don’t like what you see, give it a few minutes.
In fact, a new system might be rolling in by the end of the weekend for the Cincinnati Reds infield, with Spencer Steer on deck to return to a defensive position for the first time since last season after rehabbing his shoulder for the last seven weeks.
You must be registered for see images attach
“It feels good. I’m very close,” said Steer, who was in the lineup as the designated hitter Friday night for the series opener against the Orioles and closing in on a 2025 position debut at first base, perhaps by the time the team leaves town Sunday night.
“And then in the outfield hopefully soon after that,” Steer said. “Got to walk before we run.”
Reds player moves Nick Lodolo Cincinnati Reds' Nick Lodolo to MLB paternity list; Carson Spiers recalled to make start
Reds Jake Fraley daughter Avery 'It's changed me for the better': Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley on daughter's road to healing
Reds minor leagues Chase Burns Chase Burns allows Zyhir Hope, Kendall George homers before settling down, striking out 7
Steer, who played through shoulder discomfort all last year, didn’t shake his shoulder problems until shutting down during spring training, getting a cortisone shot and then rehabbing his mechanics.
He has batted exclusively as the DH in 15 games this season (through Friday).
“It’s been a lot on his plate,” manager Terry Francona said. “When he started to play — which is going to be pretty soon — he’s still going to have to stay on a program.”
Soon? Like Saturday or Sunday?
You must be registered for see images attach
“We’ll see,” Francona said. “I’m not good at timetables. We tried to be really good with him, so I don’t want to get all this way and do something wrong.”
Bench/infield coach Freddie Benavides said he expects Steer’s return to the field to “definitely” help a team fielding effort that has had sloppy lapses in the early going despite generally improved play over last season’s shaky overall performance.
“Especially with Christian out right now” Benavides said. “It’ll be great to get him back on the field.”
First baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand went on the injured list Thursday because of lower back inflammation.
The Reds rank among the top three teams in the majors in several defensive metrics despite committing 14 errors, the third-highest total in the National League.
Four of those came Thursday in their sloppiest game of the season, costing them six unearned runs in an 11-7, 10-inning loss.
Six of the errors in the first 19 games belong to Elly De La Cruz. Four more were committed by three pitchers.
“I think you’ve seen some PFP’s that were messed up,” Benavides said. “Other than (Thursday’s) game, which was tough to watch, I think they’ve performed pretty good overall.
“Can it be better? Of course, it can. But it’s been a nice job other than (Thursday).”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fielding reinforcements on tap for Cincinnati Reds in Spencer Steer
Continue reading...
