The Reds have a short bench right now, but that doesn't seem to overly concern manager Bryan Price.
“The good news is having a couple guys on the bench that are pitchers who typically swing the bat," Price told Reds.com.
Obviously it's not ideal to have pitcher's as pinch-hitters, but Mike Leake and Michael Lorenzen are both pretty good with the bat and it's certainly better than nothing.
"It's better than having somebody that can't handle the bat at all," Price said. "You play the cards that you're dealt. If we play with a three-man healthy bench or a six-man bullpen or a two-man bullpen or whatever it is, then we'll make the most with what we have to work with on any given day."
Not only is Price willing to call on Leake or Lorenzen to bat if necessary, but the two know it's a possibility and actively prepare for it – should their name be called.
"What they do differently is they hit with the other pitchers on the field, but they'll also go in there and hit in the cage during the game," Price said. "Typically like what the pinch-hitters do ... they're in the cage taking swings and staying ready."
(h/t Reds.com)
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