Fourth Place Reds Gaining Alex Wood and Scooter Gennett Close To Return

Alex Wood was one of the three pitchers the Reds expected to improve their 2019 mound presence.

All David Bell and his staff got to see was one spring training inning.  He gave up three runs in it in February.  He hasn't pitched since.  Back injuries prevented more.

On Tuesday afternoon, however, his 25-pitch live batting practice session was one precursor to Wood ascending the Great American Ball Park mound in a few weeks.  He is scheduled to pitch another live BP on Saturday.  If it goes well, the Reds will send him to minor league rehab assignments.

"He is getting anxious to pitch," Bell said.  "You can tell by the words he's using that the competitive juices are flowing."

The Reds defeated the American League West leading Houston Astros 3-2 on Monday.  The Pittsburgh Pirates had the night off so the Reds snuck past them.  The Reds leave the Bucs by half a game seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the National League Central Division.

Pitching hasn't been the Reds problem to date.  Offense has been the culprit in the Reds 32-38 record to date.

That may be on the mend.  Scooter Gennett, who has had two of his best offensive seasons in a Reds' uniform is on a rehab assignment in Daytona Beach.  Last night Gennett was 0-2 with a walk for the Tortugas.  The Reds scratched him from tonight's game as rainy conditions are expected on Florida's east coast.

"He is an important part of our offense," Bell said.  "We look forward to getting him back."

Gennett injured his groin a week before opening day in a Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In his two seasons with the Reds, he has hit .295 and .310.  Last season he challenged Christian Yellich for the batting title.  He hit 27 home runs in 2017 and 23 last season.  He drove in 97 and 92 runs with 52 extra-base hits in 2017 and 56 in 2018.

While Jose Iglesias on defense and Derek Dietrich on offense have performed well in back up roles, Gennett will add pop and depth to the Reds' offensive cause.

Gennett will stay in Daytona for four or five days and will either join the Reds or continue his rehab to get his timing down.