Inbox: Why are Reds tinkering with lineup?

What do you think the effect of constantly changing the lineup is having? Any rhyme or reason for the constant tinkering?
-- Beth K.

I don’t think it’s affecting the players that much. The Reds are batting a Major League-worst .197, and they have been missing one of their best contributors in Scooter Gennett. Manager David Bell’s lineup changes are mostly about maximizing the matchups and trying to split up lefty and righty hitters when it makes sense. Because of the mixing and matching in the middle infield, left field and center field, it requires different looks on different days. There was a time when teams and players preferred one steady lineup for 162 games, but times are changing.

How do you like Joey Votto batting leadoff, and do you think he should stay there?
-- Darlene D.

Again, times are changing. Joey Votto has traditionally been Cincinnati’s best hitter, and he's been batting third. For much of this young season, he’s batted second. But to bat him first, it’s about exploiting his career .426 on-base percentage and creating run-producing chances for whoever bats second and Yasiel Puig batting third. Bell’s rationale has also been that Votto could get some more plate appearances from batting first and if he gets into a groove, that wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Are there concerns about the lack of hitting from Puig and Matt Kemp? At least Puig got a sacrifice fly. The batting averages aren't so good, then you toss in the rest of team. Why are the Reds performing so poorly?
-- @lefthandd22

I’m certainly not a hitting coach, and I couldn’t even pretend to know techniques for improvement. Just going off the data on Statcast, Puig’s exit velocity off the bat remains consistent with past performances. But his launch angle, which has averaged 11.8 degrees since 2015, is at 17.8 degrees this season. His strikeout and whiff rate on fastballs is up, and it’s way up on breaking balls. So either pitchers have something figured out with Puig, or he’s trying to increase his launch angle for more home runs, which many hitters have been trying around the league.

Because of his age (34), Matt Kemp’s struggles are a little more concerning. When he makes contact, it’s been weaker than it has been for him traditionally. His strikeout rate is up, and his walk rate is way down. He’s been known for hot starts, especially last season with the Dodgers, so this rough start is more perplexing.

Should Turner Ward be on the hot seat?
-- Traviee D., Cincinnati

No.

Any update on a timetable for Nick Senzel’s return?
-- Aaron

Nick Senzel, who has been out since the end of Spring Training with a sprained right ankle, will make his 2019 debut with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. MLB’s No. 5 overall prospect is expected to play full games and on consecutive days in center field.

As for a timetable for his Major League debut, some of that will depend on Senzel. If he’s hitting well like he did in camp, that helps. It will likely come down to his comfort level and performance in the new position of center field. He played only in parts of 12 Cactus League games, and I imagine he would need that many games at a minimum to show he’s ready. More likely, it will take several more games than that before the club considers a promotion.

How many more opportunities will Zach Duke have if he continues to struggle?
-- Ryan K.

I don’t think Zach Duke has a short leash, but the veteran lefty reliever won’t get unlimited chances if he keeps struggling. With two other lefties in the bullpen in Amir Garrett and Wandy Peralta, Bell can use Duke in lower-leverage situations first to see if he can find success again.

At Louisville, there really are no strong lefty relief options since Cody Reed has lacked consistency so far. Right-handers like Sal Romano also have poor numbers. But Jimmy Herget, Matt Bowman and Anthony Bass have posted stronger results, and they will be guys to keep an eye on should Duke not get closer to his track record again.