Ken Griffey Jr. will miss the remainder of the season with a high left groin muscle strain.  Griffey proved this season that he still is a dominating performer when healthy.  Griffey played in 144 games this season and he was 146 for 528 (.277 avg, .868 OPS) with 78 runs scored, 30 homers and 93 RBIs. 

Aaron Harang has been one of the best starting pitchers in all of baseball this season.  In 32 starts for the Reds, Harang is 16-4 with a 3.61 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.  In 216.2 innings this season, Harang has allowed 199 hits, walked 51 batters and whiffed 198.  The amazing thing about Harang’s record is that the Reds are only 69-82 on the season which has them in 4th place in the N.L. Central, 9.5 games behind the Cubs and Brewers. 

Rookie outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss the remainder of the season due to a minor right hamstring injury.  Hamilton was outstanding for the Reds as a Rule 5 Pick from the Devil Rays.  He played in 90 games for the Reds and he was 87 for 298 (.292 avg, .922 OPS) with 52 runs scored, 19 homers and 47 RBIs.  Look for Norris Hopper to get most of the playing time in CF the rest of the season.  He has played in 109 games this season for the Reds and he is 89 for 268 (.332 avg, .760 OPS) with 48 runs scored, 0 homers, 11 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.  Look for Buck Coats to also get a small look in CF for the Reds.  He has played in 10 games this season and he is 1 for 9 (.111 avg) with 1 run scored.

The Reds can really hit the baseball but they can’t pitch and until that changes they will not be a good baseball team.  The Reds are currently in 4th place in the National League Central, 9 games behind the Brewers.  The Reds are only 1.5 games ahead of the Pirates and 2 games ahead of the Astros so they do have something to play for the last couple weeks of the season.

Reserve outfielder Norris Hopper has played really well this season for the Cincinnati Reds.  Especially in the 2nd half of the season.  Since the All-Star Break, Hopper has played in 42 games and he is 48 for 128 (.375 avg, .830 OPS) with 26 runs scored, 7 RBIs and 5 stolen bases.  He has now played in 103 games this season for the Reds and he is hitting .325 (.750 OPS) with 43 runs scored, 9 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.  Look for him to get more playing time next season for the Reds who are likely going to make some changes.