NEW YORK – Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero will be an everyday starter for the last two months of the season, an opportunity for him to develop ahead of the 2023 season.
Barrero’s biggest weakness is recognizing breaking balls. He has 14 strikeouts in 25 plate appearances, entering Thursday, with a 61.5% whiff rate on breaking balls, according to Statcast.
“Mainly, it’s at-bats, right? Experience,” Reds Manager David Bell said. “Every experience he has at this level is going to be great for him. I love having him here and giving him those experiences. As far as pitch recognition or somebody struggling against a slider or whatever, experience is the most important thing, but I do think there are adjustments you can make and there’s not a magic one adjustment that works for everyone.