Yonder Alonso making strong case for callup

CLEVELAND -- Reds prospect Yonder Alonso has been on a tear at Triple-A Louisville. One has to wonder if he could soon force the club's hand for a promotion, especially as it searches for production in left field. General manager Walt Jocketty is watching Louisville play in Norfolk this weekend.

Alonso entered Saturday batting .333 with a .398 on-base percentage in 38 games. The lefty slugger has five home runs and 22 RBIs and came in batting .405 (17-for-42) over his previous 10 games.

With Joey Votto blocking him from his primary position at first base, Alonso has been getting most of his playing time in left field and has made 23 starts there. The organization first had him try left field last season and again this spring.

Although he's far from exceptional defensively, Alonso's work ethic is often praised, and reports indicate he's performing OK in the field and showing improvement. He has two assists and has yet to make an error.

As a September callup to the Majors last season, Alonso batted .207 in 22 games, mostly as a pinch-hitter.



(mlb.com)