While Shogo Akiyama isn’t in the soon to conclude Summer Olympics in his native Japan. He’s bringing something to the Cincinnati Reds that the team mostly lacks.

Akiyama continues to consistently find ways to deliver for the Reds. Despite not hitting a home run in the roughly two seasons he’s played for Cincinnati. At the plate, Akiyama leads the Reds with six pinch hits. Delivering as one of the Reds best bench players this season. What Akiyama lacks in offensive firepower, he makes up for it through his defensive prowess. Throughout this season, Akiyama has piled up defensive web gems. Including a game saving catch during the opening weekend of the Olympics.

It’s all part of one of the most interesting journeys for a major league player in recent times. With twists and turns fitting a sports movie or novel. He joined the team during the 2019-20 off-season. Becoming the first Japanese born player in Reds history. He’s facing various challenges during his time in Cincinnati so far.

Starting with navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic along with his teammates. The pandemic threw off the normal pace heading into this and last season. Interrupting Spring Training two weeks before last season was set to start. Akiyama’s debut season in the U.S. was shortened to 60 games instead of the typical 162. Playing with no or limited fans for much of the last year and a half. While various closures and canceled events limited Akiyama’s opportunities to get acquainted with his new home.

Spring Training this year featured challenges for Akiyama too. Off of the field and on the field. In February, his wife Akaya was injured by a tree falling on her. Not long afterward Shogo was recovering from a hamstring injury. Missing roughly the first five weeks of the season in the process.

While Akiyama has been underwhelming batting-wise. Leaving some to wonder whether he’s a major league bust. This season, Akiyama’s defensive consistency stands in contrast to his fellow outfielders at times. While Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker’s All-Star seasons have boosted the outfield. Locking down their roles as the everyday right and left fielders respectively. Castellanos’ recently concluded stint on the injured list aside. Akiyama is one of several called to fill a void in center field.

Having someone hold down the role of being an every day center fielder remains a fantasy. Due to Nick Senzel having an unfortunately consistent knack for getting injured. Aside from hitting the occasional home run. Aristides Aquino struggles defensively in clutch situations. While Tyler Naquin has been hit and miss lately after a phenomenal start to his season.

Akiyama’s consistency also stands in contrast to the Reds bullpen. Which struggles to hold onto leads both large and small. Showcased by this week’s two game series against the Minnesota Twins. Minnesota came from behind to win Tuesday’s game. While the Reds managed to fend off Minnesota’s attempted comeback on Wednesday.

The Reds face looming decisions when it comes to their 26 man lineup. Whenever Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel return to the lineup. The Reds will face the question of who to send down to the minor leagues. If measured by batting stats, Akiyama and Aquino would be in position to be sent to Louisville. If measured by more than one thing; Akiyama finds a way to be reliable for the Reds.