DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL Central—Is Hamilton on the horizon?

Cincinnati Reds

With an awkward slide on opening day, Ryan Ludwick's (OF, CIN) season is suddenly in jeopardy. Ludwick had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his shoulder and is expected to miss 13-14 weeks.  And when Ludwick returns, his ability to generate his usual power is in question. So, what are the Reds' options?

The immediate answer is Chris Heisey (OF, CIN), who will get most of the AB in the short term. Heisey hit 18 HR in 279 AB for the Reds in 2011 with a .254 BA and 157 PX, but his PX plummeted to 90 last season, and he hit only seven homers in 347 AB. A 7% hr/f rate appears to have been the culprit, but it may take some time to see which Heisey shows up. This spring Heisey had 17 hits in 62 AB, with four doubles and...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

The Nationals bolstered their team for the stretch run and beyond by adding Connelly Early to their rotation, and all it cost them was Curtis Mead...and hopefully not their eternal souls. Plus: Acuña in ATL; SP in MIA; next men up at NYM; needs in PHI; more.
Jul 27 2026 8:39am
Two impact Padres' starting pitchers are close to a return. Plus implications of Will Smith's neck, Rockies OF situation, and check in on young players who may be getting their chance in the NL West.
Jul 25 2026 3:07am
Shane Smith's awful season hasn't improved in the minors. Plus, two top prospects at Triple-A for CLE, Javier Báez starts a rehab assignment, and a look at SP depth in KC and MIN.
Jul 23 2026 3:05am
The Angels may be trading some starting pitchers at the deadline, and George Klassen will be ready to help the team.
Jul 22 2026 3:05am

Tools