There’s fast and then there’s Billy Hamilton. As fast as the Cincinnati Reds‘ center field is, the immortal words of Satchel Paige still apply even to him: “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.”
That ‘something’ for Hamilton is a surge of center fielders vying to make the Reds’ roster out of spring training.
Hamilton has yet to play in the field this spring. The surgically-repaired shoulder of his throwing arm has limited him to serving as designated hitter for just one game so far.
Hamilton has resumed baseball activities. How soon he can return to game action could determine how much he’ll play to begin the 2016 regular season.
The longer it takes Hamilton to return without recurring shoulder problems, the more Hamilton’s full-time job in center field is jeopardized.
Any disabled list stint to start the season could mark the end of Hamilton’s run as the Reds’ everyday center fielder for good.
Hamilton should be most concerned about Rule 5 waiver claim Jake Cave gaining ground on him. Cave is one of four outfielders to gobble up Hamilton’s spring training time in the absence of the speedster.
Cave has logged 32 innings in center this spring for the Reds. He’s hitting .333 in 18 at-bats. Cave is making it much easier for the Reds to put him on the 25-man roster where he has to remain all season as a Rule 5 draft selection.
Tyler Holt has also logged time in center this spring. Holt is batting .375 in 16 at-bats with just one strikeout. He’s manned center for 24 spring innings.
Phillip Ervin has probably done more than anyone to take advantage of Hamilton’s absence. Ervin has a .563 batting average in 16 at-bats. He has logged 12 innings in center.
Scott Schebler has also seen time in center with 10 innings of work at the position. Schebler is stating his case to stick for the Reds with outfield versatility and a .368 batting average in 19 at-bats.
Robb Hoff writes about the Cincinnati Reds for OutsidePitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
The post Billy Hamilton opens up center field for Cincinnati Reds appeared first on OutsidePitchMLB.