At 47-38 and just one game behind Pittsburgh in the NL Central, the Reds are poised to buy at the deadline. Specifically, the Reds are looking to acquire a leadoff hitter and left-handed bench help, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
The Reds have largely used shortstop Zack Cozart and outfielder Drew Stubbs in the leadoff role, but both have sputtered there, combining for a .203 average and a .245 on-base percentage. Only the Dodgers have a worse OPS (.561) than the Reds (.566) out of the leadoff spot.
Sheldon also notes the Reds are without a single left-handed bat off the bench after experiments with Willie Harris and Mike Costanzo failed. With no help currently available at Triple-A Louisville, look for the Reds to make a minor move for a lefty bat soon.
