Bruce responds to Reds fans on Twitter

ST. LOUIS -- Amid his struggles at the plate of late, Reds right fielder Jay Bruce has been hearing it from fans, including on social media. Following Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Cardinals, when he went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts, Bruce took to Twitter and pushed back.

"I appreciate all the tweets, good and bad, actually. You guys are what drive the game," Bruce began in a series of tweets. "I'm obviously not hitting as well as I'd like to, yet I actually feel sorry for the people on here who feel that it's necessary to try and put me down on Twitter. It really just explains further who you are, and there are obviously things in your life that you're unhappy about and you take it out on me via Twitter.

"I suggest you look into talking with a life coach or something to help you get over whatever you have going on in your life. There is obviously a lack of something going on, and I hope you guys get it straightened out, because you all sound like idiots. Everyone have a good night. Haha."

On Wednesday morning, Bruce declined to elaborate further when asked about it by MLB.com.

Entering the series finale vs. the Cardinals, Bruce was 4-for-23 on the road trip and was batting .252 with one home run, 11 RBIs and a National League-leading 40 strikeouts. He hit his first triple of the season in the second inning and finished the day 2-for-4.

Bruce, who along with Joey Votto, is the only Reds player to start in all 29 games this season, didn't feel worn down or in need of a break.

"I'm fine. I think it's what you prepare for in the offseason," Bruce said. "You have to expect to get a little tired, because it's playing every day. I pride myself on being prepared to play and being available every day. I don't make the lineups. That's up to Dusty [Baker]. We have a day off tomorrow, which is huge. That's going to help a lot."