MIAMI – The Cincinnati Reds have been searching for a reliable third outfielder since Jesse Winker went on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 16.
Max Schrock started two games in left field against right-handed pitching. Aristides Aquino started Sunday against the Miami Marlins, but he entered the game with a .136 batting average in 59 at-bats this month. Shogo Akiyama is the best defender of the group, but he’s batting .176 in 68 at-bats since the All-Star break.
Winker, an All-Star starter, is still a couple of weeks away from returning to the active roster, though he’s beginning baseball activities.