Slump Riddled Jay Bruce Sits Against The Cubs

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Jay Bruce is off to a slow start.

The Reds' rightfielder will get the day off after a slow start as far as batting averages are concerned.

Bruce has been a streaky hitter in his career and April has been hard on him over the years.

For his career Bruce is a .244 hitter in April with 27 home runs and 86 RBI. Next to July (.222 17 65) it is historically his worst month of the season.

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See year by year chart below.

April BA HR RBI
2009 .258 5 13 16 k
2010 .263 4 11 18 k
2011 .237 4 11 27 k
2112 .296 7 17 21 k
2013 .252 1 11 40 k
2014 .220 3 14 27 k
2015 .164 3 9 24 k

Bruce's power numbers are normal but his average is way down. The shift employed more often by Reds' opponents may be the culprit.

"I am getting tired of seeing Jay smoke the ball right into the shift," manager Bryan Price said. "You can't change a guys approach at this level. You have to start in the minor leagues."

Bruce's slow start is not the only reason that Price is sending Brennan Boesch out to replace the rightfielder, who was an All-Star in 2011 and 2012, Boesch needs to play to stay sharp. Price is also getting his starters a day off early.

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"I have gotten everyone a day except for Joey (Votto) and Zack (Cozart) and they are going to get one soon," Price said.

Boesch made the team with an outstanding spring with a .361 average, four home runs and 14 RBI. He rebounded from injury to lead the Pacific Coast League with a .332 average last season.

Boesch hasn't been able to stay sharp off the bench, hitting 167 with one double. He has yet to drive in a run in 13 plate appearances and struck out five times.

He needs some consecutive at bats to get the edge and hold it.