David Bell, Cincinnati Reds manager, gives the lineup to the players the night before every game.
TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Jonathan India were Bell's top three Reds lineup options. On Tuesday, Bell made that huge an adjustment after sleeping on it.
Bell remarked, "They know what's best for the team and I appreciate that trust." “There’s a lot of responsibility to get it right for our team.”
Jonathan India, the Reds' second baseman, was moved from the leadoff spot on Tuesday by David Bell.
Bell chose with this revised order to separate Friedl and outfielder Jake Fraley as the Reds' two left-handed hitters, to extend their lineup by having Spencer Steer hit sixth, and to put India in position to drive in more runs.
Bell made the change after India grounded out to conclude Tuesday night's 8-5 setback. When Friedl and McLain reached base in the ninth, the Reds rallied.
Over the past five years, MLB lineup philosophy has changed. Fast guys who get on base throughout the top third of the lineup have a bigger role. Managers are more flexible when choosing players for specific positions.
For most of the last two seasons, India led off for the Reds. Bell gambled by rearranging the lineup, and how it plays out will be one of the Reds' most intriguing stories.