How Mike Moustakas is approaching his changing role on the Cincinnati Reds

On July 2, when the Cincinnati Reds were down 4-1 to the Atlanta Braves in the bottom of the ninth inning, Reds manager David Bell pinch-hit for designated hitter Mike Moustakas for the first time in Moustakas’ tenure with the team.

With a left-handed pitcher on the mound and the game on the line, Bell made the analytical move to put Donovan Solano in the game. Moustakas walked from the on-deck circle to the first-base entrance to the Reds’ dugout, and he tossed his helmet and his bat over the rail.

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It’s been a frustrating season for the player who signed the biggest free agent contract in Reds history. On Tuesday, after Moustakas homered in a Reds loss to the Miami Marlins, Moustakas saw the impact of the swing he has been working on all season.

“I’ve always had power, man,” Moustakas said. “I hadn’t been putting good at-bats together. I’m finally able to put some quality at-bats together, get some good swings off, and the homers are coming.”

This week, Moustakas reached the point where he has played more games than he did in an injury-riddled 2021 season when he battled plantar fasciitis for most of the year. He has been healthier in 2022, but Moustakas’ stats have been nearly identical.

Last year, Moustakas had a .208 batting average and a .653 OPS. This year, he’s hitting .212 with a .649 OPS.

Over the last week, Moustakas has had some good signs at the plate. He has six homers this season, and half of them have come in his last six games. On Tuesday, Moustakas was the only Reds hitter to make great contact against Marlins starter Pablo López when Moustakas homered on the ninth pitch of his at-bat.

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“He's feeling better,” Bell said. “I mean, he really is. It's been a tough stretch where he didn't play in a lot of games. Somehow, someway, maybe that helped a little bit, but now he just needs to play more. He's definitely swinging the bat with authority. And we know he can hit. There's no question there. So it's nice to have some results, get him going.”

In a tough year for Moustakas, his role on the team has changed significantly. He now rarely starts against left-handed pitchers, and Bell now pinch-hits for him often when a left-handed reliever is on the mound.

With Brandon Drury’s breakout season, Drury has established himself as the Reds’ starting third baseman. Joey Votto plays almost every day at first, and Moustakas’ only defensive starts since June 13 have been at first base on days that Votto has been off.

When Bell makes his lineup for games against right-handed starting pitchers, the decision comes down to whether Moustakas or Donovan Solano will be the designated hitter. Moustakas has started more often than Solano recently, but Solano has earned more playing time with his .329 batting average and one of the best approaches at the plate on the team.

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Moustakas said he isn’t thinking about where his role currently stands.

“(I’m) just having fun, playing the game and competing at the highest level playing Major League Baseball,” Moustakas said. “It’s a great game. We got a great clubhouse in here having a good time. We’re playing good baseball. I’m staying ready every single night, ready to go. When my number is called, I’ll be ready to go.”

More playing time could open up for Moustakas after the trade deadline, and he’s working on a few adjustments that he hopes can help him the rest of the season.

Recently, Moustakas has been a part of a few live batting practice sessions before games against Reds relief pitchers. He’s hitting a lot of fastballs in batting practice and working on his timing.

“My at-bats are getting better,” Moustakas said. “I feel good right now in the box.”

Reds rehabbing players: Jake Fraley and Aristides Aquino nearing return

Reds outfielders Jake Fraley (toe bone bruise) and Aristides Aquino (left high ankle sprain) have both played seven games in their rehab assignments, and Bell said they’re both nearing the end of their rehab stints.

“All indications are they are healthy and playing well,” Bell said. “In my mind, (the end) is right around the trade deadline, so it’s soon.”

Reds draft: Four more players are signed

The Reds signed four players from their MLB Draft class on Tuesday. Most notably, 11th round pick Ben Brutti, a high school pitcher with a 97 mph fastball and a good slider, agreed to terms with the Reds.

Following Tuesday’s signings, the Reds’ 18th and 19th round picks are the only players who haven’t signed. Outfielder Mason Neville, the 18th-round pick, recently confirmed his commitment to Arkansas. Right-handed pitcher Tyler Chadwick remains unsigned.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mike Moustakas has an evolving role on the Cincinnati Reds depth chart