The Reds have two more games in the Cactus League before they head to Dallas to play the Texas Rangers for two games, Monday and Tuesday.
Bryan Price wanted to have his roster set by Sunday’s departure for Dallas. That will not happen.
“There is a strong chance that we will have to go to Texas with at least one spot, maybe two, yet defined,” Price said.
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Cliff Pennington was told that he made the opening day roster. The backup shortstop. Cliff was signed by the Reds to a minor league contract on February 15.
The 33-year old switch hitter has played shortstop (604 games), second base (233 games), third base (56 games). He has also played first base and outfield.
Pennington has 10 years experience in the big leagues with Oakland, Arizona, Toronto and the Los Angeles Angels. He was the Oakland Athletics first choice in the 2005 draft out of Texas A&M.
As a starter for the A’s, Pennington hit.250 in 156 games in 2010. He played in 148 in 2011, hitting .264. His career average is .243 with 36 home runs, in 955 games.
Pennington’s playing time decreased due to six trips to the diabled list since 2011..
This spring, Pennington hit .216 in 18 games but fits the makeup of the team.
"He's a player who has played every day in the big leagues. He's played a lot of third base and second. He's been a primary bench player. Getting to know him over the last six weeks, he's a really good fit. He is great with the young players. We generally have a very young lineup. We have a very young group of pitchers, especially in the starting rotation. His makeup is probably as big a deal as his physical attributes," Bryan Price said.
Starting Rotation Set
The Reds starting rotation has been set through the first four games.
Homer Bailey will start the opening game against Washington. Luis Castillo will pitch on Saturday against the Nationals. Tyler Mahle will pitch Sunday in the opening series finale. Sal Romano will make his first start against the Chicago Cubs on April 2.
Castillo and Mahle were told by Price before it was made official.
Relievers Need Relief
RHP David Hernandez has been slowed by shoulder stiffness. RHP Kevin Shackelford has elbow stiffness.
"We backed him (David Hernandez) down a little bit," Price said. "We just put some precautions on him to make sure that we don't get ourselves in trouble exacerbating spring training stiffness. We have to define whether he will start the season. That will affect our bullpen decisions. We don't want to get into the season where we're concerned about the durability or our bullpen. We want to hit the ground with a healthy bunch. We may have to get all the way through Texas before we define who is ready to start the season."
More Catchers
The Reds are considering keeping Tony Cruz as a third catcher.
"I think the world of Tony Cruz. He had a really good camp. He is a Major League player in my opinion," Price said. "He's certainly been a topic of discussion. That frees up Mesoraco and Barnhart to pinch hit on the days they're not playing. It gives us an experienced third catcher, who has really improved his offense. He is a better hitter now than when he was playing every two weeks behind Molina in St. Louis."
Easy Come Easy Go
1B Kennys Vargas was claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins. That opens a spot on the 40-man roster. Vargas was claimed off the Twins roster earlier this week. He was attending the birth of a child and never did report to camp.
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