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

Jeremiah Jackson (pictured) has seen more playing time than anticipated to open the season, but his time in the majors could be limited with Jackson Holliday's looming return. Plus, more from around the AL East.
Apr 7 2026 3:05am
It's time for the league and fantasy managers to start respecting the Marlins as a rising threat in the NL East. Plus: 1B at NYM; SP at PHI; 2B at WAS; DH at ATL; more.
Apr 6 2026 3:18am
For the NL West this week, we take a close look at Randy Vásquez's velocity changes, a looming pitching surprise in Arizona, and playing time outlooks for young guys trying to make a name for themselves.
Apr 4 2026 3:07am
CJ Kayfus had a bad night in left field on Sunday. Could it hurt his playing time going forward? Plus, a look at early lineups in CHW and DET, the closer situation in KC, and positional flexibility for the Twins C.J. Culpepper.
Apr 2 2026 3:05am

Tools