Reds To Call Up Billy Hamilton

The moment Reds fans have been waiting for, dreaming for the past two seasons will become reality Monday as speed man Billy

Jul 21, 2013; Scranton, PA, USA; Louisville Bats center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) looks to score from second base during the first inning against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at PNC Field. The Bats defeated the RailRiders 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Hamilton will get the call up from triple A Louisville to the big club. Hamilton is the star prospect of the Reds farm system. The future of the Reds franchise potentially.

Hamilton has struggled with his bat at times in Louisville, his .256  batting average isn’t where the Reds would like it to be at. His .308 OBP like Brandon Phillips isn’t stellar but when Hamilton gets on base watch out. His 75 stolen bases in Triple A this year lead the minors, he currently has 34 more stolen bases than the entire Reds team this season combined. His 75 stolen bases come on only 166 appearances on base.

The Reds are hoping that once Hamilton gets on base he will terrorize opposing pitchers into focusing on Hamilton too much or missing his pitches. So far that has been the case in the minors. Hamilton will likely get a few starts while up with the club but look for him to be mainly used for pinch running.

Among the other September call ups the Reds have purchased the contract of left hander Zach Duke who will help to solidify the bullpen. Reliever Nick Christiani has been sent back to Triple-A Louisville. Duke made 12 appearances for the Nationals this season posting a dismal 8.71 ERA in 20 1/3 innings.

Cincinnati will also call up three more players from Louisville. Outfielder Derrick Robinson, infielder Henry Rodriguez and reliever Curtis Partch have all made appearances for the Reds this season will all join the big club following Sunday’s game.

The Reds are making a push for the NL Central, these moves can do nothing but help the club.