Josh VanMeter Versatility Earns Big League Playing Time

Josh VanMeter spent his first three seasons of professional baseball as an infielder yet in his short Major League career the fifth round pick of the San Diego Padres in 2013 has played more outfield for the Reds.

"I played outfield the last couple of years in the minor leagues.  I'm comfortable out there," VanMeter said.

VanMeter played 602 games in the minor leagues, of those he played 71 games in the outfield, starting in 2016.  He played 30 games in Louisville this season and none of them were in the outfield.

David Bell is challenged to find playing time for the 24-year old who hit 13 home runs in those 30 games with the Bats.

"It isn't that defense isn't important," Bell said.  "We want him to be comfortable playing there.  The more reps they get the better they will be.  Josh has made some good plays out there."

VanMeter is one of the bette athletes on the team.  That athletic ability has served him well in the outfield.

"It isn't that different," VanMeter said.  "On of the adjustments is to see how the ball travels off the bat in each ballpark.  You can see that in batting practice.  Other than that the throws are longer so you don't have to get off the throw as quickly but you have to be accurate.  You have to remind yourself that you have to throw through the cut off man.  One of the bigger challenges for me is to stay focused.  In the infield you have more balls hit to you.  You are in every play.  Your mind can wonder in the outfield if you don't concentrate and stay focused."

VanMeter has played first base, second base and third base in five of the 11 games in which he played the field.  The other six he played the outfield.

At the plate, VanMeter is looking for his first Major League home run.  He has seven hits, including two doubles, in 34 at bats for a .206 average.   VanMeter walked five times and has been hit by a pitch for a .326 on-base-percentage.

"He gives you a good at bat," Bell said.  "It doesn't show up in the statistics but most of his at bats are competitive. He has a calmness about him."