Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton is back in the leadoff spot Tuesday against the Twins after a standout performance batting leadoff Monday. He went 2 for 4 with three runs, two walks and four stolen bases.
While Hamilton is currently batting leadoff as Brandon Phillips is sidelined due to injury, manager Bryan Price said Hamilton could stay in that spot if he continues to perform well.
“If he can do what he did yesterday on a regular basis, that would be great,” Price said, per MLB.com. “You guys know, the great importance of that role is you know that guy is going to get the most at-bats on your ballclub, and he needs to be on base.”
Price added Hamilton is still finding his way from the left side of the plate as a switch-hitter. Although, he is improving on bunt hits. After starting 0 for 6 on bunt-hit attempts, he is now 6 for 17 (.353).
“The more balls he gets on the ground, the more chances he has of getting on base,” Price said. “I still believe that’s the role he will fill for this team. It just has to come on a more consistent basis before he returns full-time to the leadoff spot.”