Reds Narrow Pitching Choices

The Reds re-assigned two non-roster pitchers to minor league camp.

LHP Wilkin De La Rosa and RHP Clay Hensley were re-assigned to minor league camp, leaving 15 pitchers on the roster.  The Reds will carry 12 pitchers.

Hensley pitched in relief for the World Champion Giants last season.  De La Rosa has great stuff but as most hard throwers, he needs work on his command.  The 28-year old was an outfielder in the Yankees organization.  They converted him to the mound.

Both pitchers will add depth to a strong Reds' bullpen.

The Reds must choose 12 pitchers from the following list:

RHP Jose Arredondo
RHP Bronson Arroyo
RHP Homere Bailey
RHP Jonathan Broxton
LHP Aroldis Chapman
RHP Johnny Cueto
RHP J.J. Hoover
RHP Mat Latos
RHP Mike Leake
RHP Sam LcCure
LHP Sean Marshall
RHP Nick Masset
RHP Logan Ondrusek
LHP Manny Parra
RHP Alfredo Simon

The nine in red will make the team barring injury.

The other six need to fill three spots.

J.J. Hoover and Jose Arredondo have pitched well all spring.  Masset hasn't pitched at all.

Hoover has allowed two runs in nine innings on nine hits and one walk.  He has 16 strikeouts and at one point struck out seven in a row.

Arredondo has allowed four runs in 11 2/3 innings, allowing  nine hits and six walks.  He struck out nine. In his last seven appearances he has given up just one run in eight innings.

Simon was with the Dominican team and hasn't pitched much at all this spring.

Having talked to scouts and Jeff Brantley, look for Arredondo and Hoover to break camp with the Reds.  Masset will likely be put on the 60-day disabled list.  He has a long way to go to be able to pitch. Ondrusek has been tentative and has options.  Ondrusek could use some time in Triple-A.

Ondrusek gave up a two-run home run against the Padres on Wednesday.

He has pitched 9 2/3 innings, allowing nine runs on 16 hits and six walks.  He has five strikeouts.

The Reds would like a left-hander but Arredondo has been very effective against left-handed batters.  Parra has been inconsistent.

Hoover has options so the Reds wouldn't lose Simon if they sent him down.  The business of baseball could cause Hoover to be sent down.  The Reds may be willing to trade either Arredondo or Simon.

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