Ryan Ludwick no longer full-time Reds left fielder
After a slow start, Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price has informed veteran left fielder Ryan Ludwick that he will no longer get the majority of playing time in left field.
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According to Jon Fay, Price spoke with Ludwick this weekend and said Ludwick “was very professional” regarding the news. Left field will now turn into a platoon situation in Cincinnati, with Chris Heisey and Skip Schumaker also seeing time.
Through 43 games, the 35 year old Ludwick is hitting just .246, with 3 home runs, 17 RBI, and a.314 on-base percentage. After his impressive 26 home run 2012 season, the Reds signed him to a heavily scrutinized deal that guaranteed Ludwick $15 million over three seasons, including a 2015 buyout option.
Ludwick hasn’t recovered offensively since suffering a dislocated shoulder in the opening game of the 2013 season, when he injured himself sliding into third base. Ludwick’s power has seemingly fallen off, managing just 5 home runs in the 81 games he’s played over the last two seasons.
Many Reds fans have also clamored for hot-hitting catcher Devin Mesoraco to receive starts at other position, as the team’s offense has been lacking throughout their injury-riddled 2014 campaign. Mesoraco has never played any defensive position outside of catching during his eight year professional career.