How can Reds' infield defense improve?

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon’s Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH -- Throughout a recent rough stretch of games, we’ve seen the Reds’ rotation struggle to prevent early deficits and the lineup have difficulty scoring runs at times. Those have been obvious to the eyes -- and statistically -- for casual fans.

Another issue that’s been less talked about, but no less problematic, is Cincinnati’s infield defense. Pitchers can succeed at inducing groundballs, but if the defense is giving away extra outs, opponents eventually capitalize on them.

This is where the Reds’ infield defense ranked entering Sunday, according to Statcast:

• Groundballs turned into outs: 64.1 percent (30th out of 30 clubs). The MLB average is 74 percent

• Outs above average (OAA): -9 (28th)

• Runs prevented: -7 (30th)

• According to Fangraphs, teams have an MLB-high .347 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) against Reds pitchers

Hurlers who already have little margin for error need more help behind them in the field.

“Who we thought these players were -- and are -- coming into this season [hasn’t] changed,” Reds infield and game planning coach Jeff Pickler said. “We’re having a few plays early on that I think even they would say they expect to make.

“Over the course of six months of doing this, we’ll see what they’re capable of and that they’re the players we always thought they were.”

The cost of poor defense was highlighted during Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Pirates. It was a 2-2 game in the sixth inning when shortstop Jose Barrero booted a routine grounder for an error as the go-ahead run scored. It was Barrero’s second error of 2023, and his -4 OAA rating by Statcast is the lowest among National League shortstops.

“I’ve been working really hard with Pick all season trying to get better and get the opportunity for this team to win,” Barrero said via translator Jorge Merlos.

Barrero hasn’t been the only infielder who has been challenged, though. Second baseman Jonathan India also ranks near the bottom at his position with a -1 OAA. Likewise for third baseman Spencer Steer, who is at a -2 OAA.

Pickler, who is in his first season working with infielders after overseeing outfielders from 2019-22, defended his players and cited the small sample size in the first three weeks of the season.

“The hard part with statistics this early in the season is two plays will kill you,” Pickler said. “If you have a play that gets made nine out of 10 times and you don’t make that play, statistically it’s hard to come back from that in a month.”

One could cite the new rules restricting infield shifts as a culprit. But Cincinnati was ranked 28th last season in converting groundballs into outs.

Manager David Bell, Pickler and the team have been looking at ways to create better positioning of their players. They also try to customize that strategy based on the scouting of the hitter and who is pitching.

Going back to Spring Training, Reds infielders have put in the work daily to improve their defensive skills. The hope is it will soon translate into results.

“These guys are pros. They bring it every night in the dugout,” Pickler said. “They care about their craft. They want to work. In terms of what needs to change or what do they need to do differently to get better, they’re doing it. I continue to believe and want to fight for our guys. Three weeks are definitely not going to change that for me.”