Reds Castillo and Mahle Better in Reds Loss to Padres

Luis Castillo finished two innings in his second start.  He started the game rough when Abraham Almonte hit a line drive that sliced away from Shogo Yakiyama who dived for the ball.  It eluded him for a triple.

Castillo finished his second inning, allowing the one run on four hits and a walk.  He struck out four.

"He was better," David Bell said.  "He's not where he needs to be by the start of the season."

Tyler Mahle replaced Castillo.  Mahle was in his first Cactus League game.  Mahle walked Greg Garcia and scored on a long home run by Jason Vosler.

Mahle is in the same situation he was in last year which is the sixth starter.  He made the rotation when Alex Wood was unable to pitch because of back pain.  Mahle has promise but his record last year wasn't good. His record was 3-12 with a 5.14 ERA. It always seem that a good outing would be ruined by on bad inning. If he doesn't start, it is possible Mahle could be in the bullpen.

Against the Padres Mahle finished 1 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on one hit and one walk.

"It would be alright with me if I was in the bullpen," Mahle said.  "Any chance I get to be in the Major Leagues, I'd be more than happy with."

Alex Wood signed back with the Dodgers but the Reds signed left handed starter Wade Miley to fill the last spor of the rotation with Castillo, Anthony DeSclafani, Trevor Bauer and Sonny Gray. It leaves Mahle either in the bullpen in Cincinnati or the rotation in Louisville.

"I had a shiity year last year," Mahle said. "They're not going to give me a ton of chances, chances over and over again.  They made a move to get a veteran arm in here. You can't blame them."

Mahle is just trying to smooth out his deliveries and pitches.

"I need to hit spots more with my fastball.  It was my first outing. I'll get there. My breaking ball was pretty good," Mahle said.  "I need another out pitch.  A lot of the time when I got hurt it was two strikes. Everytime I would try to throw a breaking ball under the zone.  I just didn't have that pitch and it hurt me over and over.  I am using a slider for now but I am working on a curve that will change planes and get under the strike zone."

"I thought Mahles stuff was really good.  the results weren't great but the stuff was really there," Bell said.  "It was a good day for Tyler.  He had a lot working for him."

Freddie Galvis was perfect in his first spring game.  He singled and walked twice.  Galvis had a sore throwing shoulder.  Bell will DH him every other day for the next week before he plays in the field.

Sloppy fielding led to four runs while Raisel Iglesias was on the mound.  He gave up for hits but should have been out of the inning twice. Greg Garcia singled.  Brian Dozier forced him at second base but the play was awkward with the shift on both Alfredo Rodriguez and Kyle Farmer moved to field the ball.  Farmer got it but Rodriguez was out of position to make the pivot.  They only got the force.  Vosler took a close 3-2 pitch for ball four with Dozier running.  Curt Casali threw to second and the ball sailed into center field with Dozier going to third base. Gordon Beckham hit a ground ball to third.  Alex Blandino threw Dozier out at home but Vosler scored when Farmer just missed the throw from Blandino, trying to advance to third.  Austin Hedges singled to score Beckham.  Jorge Orna blasted a long home run that cleared the fence behind the plaza on top of the berm in left field.

The Reds scored after Matt Davidson was hit by a pitch and had to leave the game. Christian Colon ran for him.  Akiyama singled and Galvis walked to load the bases.  Jesse Winker hit a sacrifice fly to center field. 

Alfredo Rodriguez, who replaced Derek Dietrich, who was hit by a pitch, hit a two run home run.  Travis Jankowski left the game after legging out a double.  Jankowski told Bell it was just a cramp but it appeared to be a hamstring at first. 

Reds Host Padres and Taylor Trammel Luis Castillo Makes Second Start

The Reds host the San Diego Padres in Goodyear this afternoon.

Luis Castillo will get his second srart.  Castillo allowed Texas three runs in the first inning in his first start but was happy with the way he was throwing with all things considered.

San Diego's starter is Dinelson Lamet.  The following are the Reds lineup that Lamet will face.

Shogo Akiyana CF
Freddy Galvis DH
Jesse Winker LF
Aristedes Aquino RF
Curt Casali C
Kyle Farmer SS
Derek Dietrich 2B
Matt Davidson 1B
Akex Blandino 3B

Luis Castillo P

Castillo will be facing:

Abraham Almonte CF
Tommy Pham DH
Greg Garcia SS
Brian Dozier 2B
Jason Fosler 1B
Gordan Beckham 3B
Austin Hedges C
Jorge Ornia LF
Taylor Trammel RF

Tyler Mahle, Raisel Iglesias, Amir Garrett, Michael Lorenzen, Robert Stephenson, Cody Reed, and Tejay Antone will follow Castillo

It will be the first start for Galvis.  He was a Mid season last year, pick up last season, his shoulder was bothering him so the Reds gave him time off.  Galvis will alternate being DH and resting for three cycles before he plays in the field.

Nick Castellanos is still out with the flu for the second day

Taylor Trammel, who was a Reds' minor leaguer who was part of the three way trade with the Indians and Padres.  Trammel wnnt to San Diego while Trevor Bauer came from the Indians to the Reds

Anthony DeSclafani Shuts Down A's With Velocity Reds Hit Mike Fiers

Anthony DeSclafani is healthy and wanted to show some velocity against the Oakona Athletics  In two perfect innings he did just that.

"The biggest thing for me is getting through two innings, being healthy," DeSclafani said. "I'm never taking that for granted. I really just wanted to see some velo (velocity). I felt like it was there."

"DeSclafani looked really sharp. It was a continuation of the end of last season," David Bell said. "You never know what to expect the first time out. It is nice to see Desco settle in that quick."

Meanwhile Mike Friers, who the Reds last saw firing a no-hitter tat them, was used and abused for four runs in two plus innings.  The Reds added two unearned runs off his replacemtn, Grant Holmes.

Josh Smith, Ryan Hendrix, Jose De Leon, Tony Santillan, and Brandon Finnegan pitched scoreless innings.  Vladimir Gutirrrez allowed a ninth inning home run to Greg Deichmann in the ninth inning.

Jesse Winker was 1-for-4 as a designated hitter.  He was hit by a pitch in his first plate appearance on Sunday.  He left the game with a bruise.  Today was his first game back.

Joey Votto walked three times.  Phillip Ervin hit an RBI single and has driven in five runs. Josh VanMeter had two hits.  The youngest player in camp, Cuban shortstop Luis Garcia hit his third home run a pitch after he lined a foul ball past the grassy knoll in left field.

"Garcia is really fun to watch the talent is there," Bell said. "He's really fun to be around. He always has a smile on his face But he has a seriousness to him. He has a good presence about him. he's intelligent and  He listens very well."

Andy Seguilo legged out a three-run  inside-the-park home run in the eighth inning to close the Reds' scoring in the 10-1 win.

The Reds Use Strict Policy To Avoid Spread Of Virus

Nick Castellanos came into camp ill and was sent right home. The Reds have a strict policy that players and all Reds employees even writers who cover the team should not enter the camp if they are ill.  It is not a reaction to the corona virus.  It was instituted by the sickness that circulated through the clubhouse last season. 

“We have a very, very strict policy,” Bell said. “We put it in place when the whole team got sick last year.  I've never seen anything like what happened last year.  That really drained the team.  It was players, coaches.  I don't know what the final number were but it was crazy. Every team I've ever been on it was come in and they would kind of quarantine you but I don't think that works anymore.”

Mike Moustakas left because he and his wife are expecting a baby...Eugenio Suarez, who had minor shoulder surgery is throwing and taking swings.

Anthony DeSclafani Takes on the Oakland Athletics. Reds have Jesse Winker Back

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Anthony DeSclafani will make his first spring start against the Oakland Athletics.

Reds batter will face Mike Fiers, who pitched a no-hitter against the Reds last season in Oakland.

The Reds who will try to break Fiers' spell are:

Jesse Winker DH
Joey Votto 1B
Phillip Ervin RF
Tucker Barnhart C
Joish VanMeter 2B
Jose Garcia SS
Mark Payton LF
Christian Colon 3B
Travis Jankowski CF

DeSclafani will try to get these A's out:

Dustin Fowler CF
Tony Kemp LF
Franklin Barretto 2B
Sheldon Neuse 3B
Jonah Heim DH
Eric Campbell 1B
Skye Bolt RF
Ryan Goins ss
Carlos Perez C

Winker was hit on the forearm in his first at bat on Sunday against the White Sox.  This is his first game since.

Trevor Bauer Seven Others Shut Out DBacks Tyler Stephenson Stars

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Trevor Bauer, a perfectionist, pitched two perfect innings. 

Tyler Thornburg, Sal Romano, Matt Bowman, Joel Kuhnel, David Carpenter, Brooks Raley and A.J. Alaniz each pitched a scoreless inning.

Derek Dietrich homered off Madison Bumgarner in the second inning.  Scott Schebler had an RBI double. Alex Blandino followed Schebler's double with a home run.

Tyler Stephenson had a two-run home run and a two-run double.

Dietrich came back this spring on a minor league contract. He had a hot start but was injured the second half ot the season.

"Dietrich looks healthy," Bell said.  "It is not an easy at bat. Bumgarner had really good stuff today. He looks healthy.  That's the main thing. He's hitting for power.  He's going to get opportunities to play."

There were a lot of good things for David Bell to talk about after the game.

"Bauer looked really good," Bell said.  "I think he felt really good.  He's a perfectionist. He was very positive with his outing but he knows he can get even better too.  That's just what makes him so good."

Bauer wasn't awful last season but he had an ankle problem which was fine by the time he came to the Reds but it caused lower back problems, along with pain in his ribs.

"I didn't start getting healthy from that until mid-December," Bauer said. "It's super encouraging that my back isn't giving me any problems."

"I was a little bit in between on my tempo," Bauer said.  "I had problems with my delivery. I thought fastball command was pretty good. The curveball shape and the change up was really good."

Bauer wasn't sure how he would feel when he came to Arizona. Bauer, who lives in Houston, had bronchitis for a month.

"I missed a lot of training time with it," Bauer said.  "I think I'm actually starting this spring ahead of where I started command wise the last couple springs.  I feel completely healthy back to norma.."

Bauer is known for his routines.  The illness and back caused a change in his off season workout.

"I couldn't start throwing nearly as early as I normally like to," Bauer said.  "But I didn't have as much to work on.  I wasn't trying to add a brand new pitch.  The more you improvement you make the closer you get to the final version of yourself.  There is less that you actually have to work on."

Bauer was disappointed he didn't match Sonny Gray's three strikeouts from Wednesday.

"Sonny had three punch outs. I only had two," Bauer said.  "That makes me mad. I have to lead all of spring training in strikeouts.  That's a goal of mine. I had two good efficient innings but I need a few more punchies."

Catcher Tyler Stephenson, the Reds first choice in the 2015 draft, is in his second big league camp but this time is on the 40-man roster, meaning the Reds three options start this year.

"We want to get him a lot of time playing time," Bell said. "He's showing that he can hit.  We want him to get more work with the pitchers. He's getting closer and closer.  We heard a lot about him and he took a big step forward last year."

The pitchers that followed Bauer were all good.  The Diamondbacks managed two hits.

"Everybody stood out," Bell.  "It was nice to see Raley, another left hander.  We know he can pitch but seeing it today live was really good.

Brooks Raley is 31 years old.  He made 14 appearances, five starts, with the Chicago Cubs in 2012 and 2013.  His only win came against the Reds at Great American Ball Park during the second game of a double header on August 16.  He pitched five innings in a Cubs, 9-7 win, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings.  Bell was the Cubs third base coach in 2013. 

The Reds vs Dbacks Trevor Bauer Starts Ryan Atkinson Colerain/Uc in Bullpen

Trevor Bauer will make his first start this spring against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Bauer is in his first camp with the Reds.  He was once the Diamondbacks top pick in the 2011 draft. He was dealt to Cleveland in December 2012 in a three-way trade involving the Reds.  The Reds got Shin-Soo Choo.

Bauer, 29, spent six seasons with Cleveland before the Reds traded Yasiel Puig to Cleveland for him.

Tbe Reds lineup facing Madison Bumgarner is:

Shogo Akiyama CF
Aristedes Aquino DH
Curt Casali C
Scott Schebler LF
Kyle Farmer SS
Derek Dietrich 2B
Matt Davidson 1B
Stuart Fairchild RF
Alfredo Rodriguez 2B

Bauer faces:

Jon Jay CF
Ketel Marte 2B
Kole Calhoun RF
Kevin Cron 1B
Jake Lamb 3B
Nick Ahmed SS
Stephen Vogt C
Tim Locastro LF
Seth Beer DH

Colerain and UC grad Ryan Atkinson is over from minor league camp and will pitch if needed, extra inning or a pitcher reaches his pitch count in the middle of an inning.

Sonny Gray Pain Free and Easy Against Mariners

Sonny Gray was "free and easy" according to manager David Bell after two scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

Gary, who was delayed last spring with and aching elbow and pitched most of the season with baone chips in it, threw two painless innings, allowing two hits and striking out three.

“I was excited for today,” Gray said.  “I was trying to throw my fastball and just rip it the whole time. I checked a lot of boxes. I got my mind right  I was able to compete.  Today will start the five-day routine to get ready.”

The Reds led 2-0 when Gray left the game and 2-1 after fifth inning when the regulars left the field. With the help of former Reds minor leaguer, Jose Siri the Mariners took control of the last four innings and won the game 5-3.  Siri was placed on waivers after the Reds signed Nick Castellanos and the Mariners grabbed him.  He homered against Cody Reed and stole a base.

The big positive to take away from the game Is that Gray, who pitched through pain last year but got progressively better as the year went on, had surgery to remove bone chips a day after the season ended.

“They told me I could start throwing in six weeks but it was weird for a little while,” Gray said.  It got super swollen and they had to take out this like f lubber or moving it around.  Steveo, (Reds' trainer Steve Bauman) came to Nashville a couple times. I was doing physical therapy for awhile but I started throwing way early, three or four times a week, pick up a ball and play catch. Six weeks after the season, I felt good.”

He made all 31 of his starts. Gray (205) and Luis Castillo (226) are the first Reds teammates each to record at least 200 strikeouts in the same season Their strikeout ratios of 10.67 and 10.52 per nine innings, respectively. Gray and Houston's Justin Verlander were the only pitchers in the Major Leagues to make at least 30 starts andallow no more than four runs in any of them.

Gray progressed during the season in spite of his elbow problems.  He had the lowest ERA of any Reds' pitcher with 0.71 in six starts with a 4-0 record, including three consecutive starts without allowing a run.  He was 8-3 with a 1.99 ERA in his last 15 starts of the season.

Along with Castillo, Gray will be part of a promising rotation, including Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley and Anthony DeSclafani.  They will have an improved   offense after the Reds' spent $165 million on free agents.

“We all want to be the best, knowing that we will make the guy to our left or the guy to our right be a little better,” Gray said. “We reinforcing each other with a little bit of pressure in a good way, a friendly competition way.”

Offensively, the Reds got production from free agent Nick Castellanos, who hit an RBI single.  Christian Colon drove in Mike Moustakas, who walked.  Alfredo Rodriguez' ground out allowed Narciso Crook to score.

Reds pitchers were good for the most part.  Robert Stephenson, Tejay Antone and Vladimir Gutierrez pitched scoreless innings.  Lucas Sims gave up three runs in an inning and 2/3.  Reed allowed the home run to Siri.  Michael Lorenzen allowed a run to score during his inning.

Sonny Gray Starts in A Healthier Spring

Last year Sonny Gray entered Reds' camp in Goodyear with an achy elbow.  He shook them off to make 31 starts with bone chips in his elbow.  They were removed at the end of the season.

He leads the Reds against the Seattle Marinere on Wednesday.with Michael Lorenzen, Robert Stephenson, Lucas Sims, Cody Reed, Vladimir Gutierrez and Tejay Atnone.

Back at headquarters, Wade Miley, Tyler Mahle, Amir Garrett, Falmouth Kentucky's Nate Jones,and Raisel Iglesias will pitch live batting practice.

Seattle will start Justin Dunn against the Reds' lineup of:

Josh VanMeter 3B
Joey Votto 1B
Nick Castellanos RF
Mike Moustakas 2B
Tucker Barnhart C
Phillip Ervin DH
Mark Payton LF
Christian Colon SS
Travis Jankowski CF

Gray will oppose:

Jake Fraley CF
Austin Nola C
Carlos Gonzalez RF
Daniel Vogelbach DH
Evan White 1B
Patrick Wisdom 3B
Julio Rodriguez LF
Dee Gordon 2B

Eugenio Suarez and Nick Senzel both with shoulders are making progress.  Suarez can't swing a bat with both hands or throw but is taking ground balls.  Senzel did some throwing yesterday and will agian today.  Freddy Galvis has a tender shoulder and David Bell wants to wait until after the day off on March 3 to put him in games.  Jesse Winker has a bruised forearm after he was hit by a pitch on Monday.  He will be ready to play in a day or two.

Shogo Akiyama and Shohei Ohtani Square Off As Reds Look at Young Players.

Shogo Akiyama and Shohei Ohtani were in the same game a novelty that won't occur during the regular season but may in a World Series should both teams have hot seasons.  The Reds went down to defeat 7-3 but more important was getting a look at young players in new positions. 

The Reds got a look at Jose De Leon, who was once a top pitching prospect for the Dodgers and then the Tampa Bay Rays. 

The Reds spent little to acquire the 27-year old.  They sent cash and a player to be named to Tampa Bay this winter, hours before the Rule V draft.

The Reds are looking at him as a starter in Louisville or for a longer relief bullpen role in Cincinnati.

De Leon went 806 calendar days between May 2017 and August 2019 between appearances.  He had a lat problem in in Los Angeles and "Tommy John" surgery in March 2018 and didn't return until August.  He made three appearances for the Rays last season.

De Leon faced a star-studded lineup featuring Ohtani, Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.

He gave up singles to Rendon and Pujols in his 2/3 innings.  He walked Trout after getting him to swing and miss early in the count.  He hit Ohtani in front of Pujols' two-run single.

Results for the inning wasn't a concern for De Leon.

"My arm feels amazing; to be honest." De L:eon said.  "It's February 25th.  I couldn't elevate the fastball enought to put away guys.  It was good to get out there for my first start with the Reds.  I awa getting strikes early in the count. I couldn't execute the put away pitch.  I will work on that."

Itr was his first game with the Reds and he faced a tough lineup.

"If you think about the lineup and who they are before you go out there, you have no chance," De Leon said.  "It doesn't matter who steps up, you have to execute pitches."

The Angels scored two runs on the board in the second and third innings. A miscommuication between Ariseteds Auino in center field and Akiyama in left put runners on base, who scored when Scott Schebler over ran a fly to right by Rendon that fell for a two-run single.

"Ohtani is a Japanese player who had success,: Akiyama said through interpreter Luke Shondin.

The Reds want to take a good look at De Leon.

"He's got good stuff.  He's talented. It is not like he came out of nowhere.  He's done it before," David Bell said.  "We're lucky to have him."

David Bell wanted to see Akiyama in left and Aquino in right.  Last year he didn't want to confuse Aquino who gained confidence the last two months of 2019.  It has been awhile since Akiyama played in left field.  The miscommunication is something that can be ironed out in spring training.

"It was a great experience," Akiyama said.  "We used routine tactics. He (Aquino) called the ball first. I didn't play left a lot, hardly any.  It is really different."

"They both need to get some time out there.  Shogo has played some in left but it's been awhile. The same for Aquino, he needs more time in center.  He got a couple good breaks on balls.  He needs more time."

Jose Garcia hit two home runs for the Reds.  The shortstop hit two balls over 400 ft.

Garcia, 21, was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2017 as a 19-year old.  He's pleyed two years in the organization.  He hit .280 with eight home runs and 37 doubles last year in Daytona.  He was named the Reds' minor league hitter of the year. Garcia is a non-roster player who they want to take a good look at this spring.

"He's fun to watch.  He's a talented young player," Bell said.  "We will make sure he gets plenty of time this spring. 

Shogo Akiyama - Shohei Ohtani Reds Angele Head-to-Head in Tempe

The Reds will play this afternoon at 3:05 eastern time.  The game will miatch up two of the top players from the Land of the Rising Sun, Shogo Akiyama for the Reds and Shohei Ohtani for the Los Angeles Angels.


Jose DeLeon will be the starting pAndreltonitcher for the Reds.



    4   Akiyama, Shogo (L) ..........  LF

  44   Aquino, Aristides .............  CF

  12   Casali, Curt .......................  C

  35   Dietrich, Derek (L) ............  1B

   0   Blandino, Alex .................  2B

  43   Schebler, Scott (L) ...........  RF

  85   India, Jonathan ................  3B

  83   Garcia, Jose ...................  SS

  71   Stephenson, Tyler ...........  DH

            87         De León, José    RHP



Dylan Bundy will pitch for the Angels. The lineup behind him is as follows.


David Fletcher........................... 2B

Mike Trout..................................CF

Anthony Rendon........................3B

Shohei Ohntani..........................DH

Justin Upton...............................LF 

Albert Pujols..............................1B 

Jasin Castro.............................. C

Andrelton Simmons...................SS

Taylor Ward...............................RF

         Dylan Bundy.....................RHP


Josh Smith, Alex Powers and Tony Santillan are scheduled to follow DeLeon.   .         

Luis Castillo No Cy Young Today

Luis Castillo made the first step toward his goal of winning the Cy Young Award but after his outing against the Texas Rangers, he is way behind his goal.

Castillo felt good but didn't throw enough strikes or even put the ball where he wanted to.

In his short 2/3 of an inning covering eight batters, he gave up three singles and two walks while three Texas Ranger runners crossed the plate.

"I feel very healthy, actually," Castillo said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. "I was trying to throw strikes but I was all over the place.  This is the time you get ready for the season but this team is a family.  I'm not trying to give up runs for them.  What I did today didn't work.  We'll try to do something different next time."

His family picked him up in the bottom of the first inning.

"It was his first time out. He just didn't find his groove," David Bell said.

The Texas pitcher, Arturo Reyes, had his own problems.

Josh VanMeter walked to open the Reds' half.  Joey Votto lined out and Nick Castellanos grounded out to first in their first spring at bats.  Mike Moustakas was grazed by a pitch. Tucker Batnhart walked.  Phillip Ervin cleared the left field fence for a grand slam in his first at bat.

So as reporters talked to Castillo in the tunnel in center field, the Reds held a 4-3 lead.

"At the time Phil hit the home run I was talking to Mario Soto," Castillo giggled. "I said man at least I'm not going to lose today."

Moustakas hit a home run off Luis Garcia in the third inning. Nick Castellanos doubled home Votto from fist in the fourth inning.  Jonathan India the Reds top pick in the 2018 draft drove home Mark Payton in the fifth with a long fly to left

The Reds added on funs as their pitchers put a tourniquet on the the bleeding for a while

T.J. Alaniz finished up for Castillo.  Tyler Thornburg pitched a scoreless inning.  Joel Kuhnel a 1 1/3 scoreless outing.  Sal Romano pitched a scoreless sixt. But Nick Solak his a two-run home run off David Carpenterein the seventh.  Curtis Terry tripled and scored on a single by Adolis Garcia to make it 7-6.
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The Reds added a pair of tainted runs in the eighth to close out a 9-6 win.

"It was good to see Castellanos and Moustakas in Reds uniforms," Bell said.  "They looked really good on their first day out.  Their timing looked good.  They were ready and aggressive. It was really good day offensively.  Even when we didn't get hits we were driving in runs. Really the key offensively we taking close pitches in 3-2 to keep innings going.  It was good to see.'

 The at bats by VanMeter and Barnhart in the first werE good examples.  The Reds took 10 walks and were hit by three pitches.

Ervin,started theis spring off like he did last year.  He was a tough out but went to Louisville to start the season.

"That was fun to see.  Last year he had a good spring and a good season," Bell said.  "That's a good sign. It was a big at bat."

Luis Castillo Gets Ready for Cy Young Season No Todd Frazier for Rangers

Luis Castillo begins his quest for the Cy Young Award with his first start against the Texas Rangers.

The Reds and Rangers will lineup as follows:

Rangers                                   Reds

Danny Santana CF                 Josh VanMeter 3B
Nick Solak DH                      Joey Votto 1B
Willie Calhoun LF                Nick Castellanos RF
Ronald Guzman 1B              MIke Moustakas 2B
Scott Heineman RF              Tucker Barnhart C
Jose Trevino C                     Phillip Ervin LF
Sherton Apostel 3B             Mark Payton DH
Isiah Kiner-Falefa SS          Alfredo Rodriguez SS
Anderson Tejeda 2B            Travis Jankowski CF

Arturo Reyes P                    Luis Castillo P   

Vladimir Gutierrez Pitches Reds Cactus League Opener Shogo Akiyama CF

The Reds start the Cactus League after a wet Saturday postponed the opener. The Reds started it today against the Chicago White Sox.

Vladimir Gutierrez out of Cuba gets the start. Shogo Akiyama singled in his first at bat off Chicago Pitcher Dylan Cease.  Jesse Winker was hit by a pitch and left the game.  Rule V draftee Mark Payton took his place but Winker's left wrist is fine.  Matt Davidson also left the game after he was hit on the hand with a pitch.  Winker appeared to be fine but had his forearm x-rayed.  There were no results available after the game.

Akiyama quickly got his first fielding chance fielding James McCann's fly ball in the second inning.  The Arizona sky makes it difficult to track fly balls.  Akiyama appeared to adapt.

The 31-year old Japanese League veteran was 1-for-3 and was caught stealing.  He had two fairly routine put outs in center field, given that it is difficult to track balls in the air in Arizona.

"I am relieved I got my first hit," Akiyama said through interpreter Luke Shinoda.  "I know how to prepare for the game.  At least for today, I was able to see the ball. I've heard that a lot of MLB ballparks it is hard to see. I always check the sun to see where the ball is. The best for me was to be able to play a game today, to see how the ball flew."

Gutierrez pitched two scoreless innings and gave way to Tejay Antone, who's father-in-law is named Gary Schatz. Antone pitched two scoreless innings. When the Reds regulars left the game after getting two or three at bats, there was no score.

The White Sox scored two runs against Lucas Sims.  James McCann doubled to open the fifth inning. Nicky Delmonico walked.  McCann scored on a single by Leury Garcia;

The White Sox' Seby Zavala hit the  first home run of the spring off Alex Powers.

The Reds didn't score until the eighth inning when they cut the lead to 3-2 when Stuart Fairchild hit a two-run home run off Matt Tomshaw with Tyler Stephenson who doubled.

The game got away from the Reds in a four-run ninth by Chicago.  Chris Volstad was the pitcher but two errors by the Reds' top draft choice.in 2018, third baseman Jonathan India made two errors.  Volstad was charged with four runs but only one was earned.

Despite the 7-2 loss manager David Bell was happy to get games started.  He has a lot to sort our with a lot of newcomers, including Akiyama.  There are nine outfielders on the 40-man roster.  He has to find out about players like Mark Payton, who was 0-for-2 today.

"We had good pitching early on.  It was good to get the first one under our belt," Bell said. "Some good things happened.  It got away from us there in the end.  It was good to start playing games."

"Akiyama looked comfortable," Bell said. "I know it's just spring training but it's kind of nice to get a hit in your first at bat.  It kind of takes the pressure off.  He settled in pretty quick after that.  He said he was nervous before the game.  I didn't see it. There were some extra feelings there for him, I'm sure, getting into the flow of the game really quick, getting a hit and getting on base, helps that a lot."

"Jesse is getting an x-ray just to be sure.  I'm not 100% if Davidson is getting an x-ray," Bell said.  "I haven't seen results but they appear to be fine."

The Reds First Exhibition Game Is Rained Out

The Reds were scheduled to open the Cactus League but the Phoenix weather did an impersonation of Seattle.

The Reds with Shogo Akiyama scheduled to make his Reds' debut Sunday when the Reds host the Chicago White Sox.

David Bell is leaning to push the lineup he chose for today, to Sunday

This is the expected lineup against the White Sox on Sunday.

Shogo Akiyama CF
Aristedes Aquino RF
Jesse Winker LF
Curt Casalli C
Kyle Farmer SS
Derek Dietrich 2B
Matt Davidson 1B
Scott Schebler DH
Alex Blandino 3B

Lucas Sims, Justin Shafer and pitchers from minor league camp were scheduled to start on Sunday but Bell might push Vladimir Guiterriez, TeJay Antone, Jose De Leon, Tonny Santillan and Alex Powers back a day.

Cactus League Begins Reds Begin Sorting Outfielders and Look For Lead Off Hitter

The Reds will open the Cactus League against the Cleveland Indians, weather permitting.

Heavy rain is forecast with flood watches.

Vladimir Guitierez will start.  Tejay Antone is scheduled to pitch a couple innings. Jose Deleon, Tony Santillan and Alex Powers will pitch as well.

Nick Castellanos, Joey Votto and Tucker Barnhart are expected to play 3-5 innings and get two or three at bats.

Shogo Akiyama will get a start against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

"We need to see all the outfielders to see what they can do," David Bell said. 

Nick Senzell and Eugenio Suarez will play later.  Senzell is on a throwing program but he is hitting and running bases.  Suarez is also staying in shape after having loose cartilage removed from his right shoulder.

Bell doesn't know who it will be yet but he has a prototype in mind to lead off for the Reds.  Senzell did some of it last season.  Castellanos had a .356 on-base-percentage last season.  Akiyama reaches base a lot and can run.

"We need to create more opportunities to score," Bell said.  "I don't have anybody specific in mind but I have a type of player in mind.  Getting on base will be important and it will help if they can run too."

Michael Lorenzen Will Get More Outfield Time

Michael Lorenzen will get more work in the outfield in spite of nine players competing for five spots in the outfield on the roster.

The Major Leagues have expanded the rosters to 26 this season and have capped the number of pitchers at 13.  From opening day to August 31, teams can have 26 players which expands to 28 active players in September.

Lorenzen is a special case.  He started in centerfield in six games last year with three or more plate appearances.  If a player pitches at least 20 innings, plays a defensive position or is a designated hitter in 20 games in which he has at least three plate appearances, he can be designated a two-way player and would essentially be the 14th pitcher on the roster.

Shohei Ohtani is the only player in the Major Leagues to qualify for 2020, although Lorenzens six games can be used to make him eligible to be designated a two-way player.

David Bell plans to use Lorenzen in similar roles this season.

“I don't know what the date was but there was a point at the end of last season, we said ok, when you're available as a position player, he will be totally available," Bell said. " Early on I was a little bit hesitant because I was worried about his energy level.  He was so important to our bullpen by the end of the year it got to where. It is different from day-to-day.  Depending where he is as a pitcher, his availability factors intova how I can use him for a game.  It will be different everyday but I'm not going to hold  him back in that way. If there is a way that we can win a game as a position player and it doesn't effect his pitching, he will be totally available.”

It was difficult for Bell last year to pull the trigger on use of Lorenzen's versatility.

“It was a combination of me feeling comfortable and his energy level,"  Bell said.  "I do think at some point, I realized that I probably held him back a little bit too much.  We got to a point in the year, that I felt like we could see the end.  I wasn't as concerned about wearing him out.  I said now is the time to see this and find out. He handled it extremely well.  It was important to go through that.”

Ther use of Lorenzen is difficult because of the requirements involved and the Reds are loaded with outfielders, the Reds signed Shogo Akiyama,Travis Jankowski and Nick Castellanos to join Aristedes Aquino, Phillip Ervin, Scott Schebler, Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker.   The Reds claimed outfielder Mark Payton off the A's roster in the Rule V draft.

“The way it would have taken him to qualify as the 14th pitcher.  It would have taken him starting every day almost.  It would have been tough. Right now just the one player qualifies for it. You never know.  We will see how that rule evolves.”

The 26-man roster provides more flexibility.  Last season Jose Peraza, who signed with the Boston Red Sox, and infielder Josh VanMeter and Kyle Farmer played in the outfield.

“We have to maximize it.  I know all the teams. We like to be able to carry 13 pitchers.  We have to make the most of it during the season.  Absolutely, it opens a spot for an extra position player.  We have some good options.  We have a guy like Kyle Farmer, who can catch and play multiple positions.  Potentially, carrying a third catcher will be an easier thing to do.  It opens up a lot of flexibility with the  roster.  It creates more opportunity for more guys.”

“Lorenzen doesn't qualify as a two-way player. He will have to be classified as a pitcher on the roster. We still have the ability to use him as a position player like we did last year.  This year he will have to be classified as one of the 13 pitchers.”

First Workout Reveals Decisions For David Bell

The Reds held a full squad workout for the first time this spring,‭  ‬David Bell has a laundry list of decisions to make.

Freddie Galvis will move back to his natural position at shortstop,‭ ‬replacing Jose Iglesias,‭ ‬who signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

‭“‬Freddie was a really great addition in the middle of the year,‭” ‬David Bell said.‭ “‬He is a really tough guy and winner.‭  ‬He fit in beautifully on our team.‭  ‬You look at what he’s done throughout his career as a shortstop and the consistency he provides.‭ ‬We need him.‭  ‬I believe offensively,‭ ‬he can continue to get better.‭”

Mike Moustakas is expected to move to second base after making most of his big league starts at third base.‭  ‬The Reds are confident that Eugenio Suarez will be ready close to the start of the season after having loose cartilage removed from his right shoulder.‭  ‬If he is not ready,‭ ‬Moustakas can fill in until Suarez is ready.

‭“‬Freddie Benevides will work with him,‭” ‬said Bell who was a big league third baseman as a player.‭  “‬If you played third base the transition is easier.‭  ‬He just has to get his footwork down.‭”

There are nine oufielders that need to be cut in half to fill the newly expanded roster of‭ ‬26‭ ‬players,‭ ‬only‭ ‬13‭ ‬of which can be pitchers.‭  ‬That gives teams a minimum of five bench players per game.‭ 

Aristedes Aquino and Phillip Ervin finished the‭ ‬2019‭ ‬in the Reds‭’ ‬outfield.‭  ‬Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker remain on the roster but were injured at the end of last season.‭  ‬Senzel had a torn labrum in his right shoulder repaired in September.‭  ‬Winker went down for the remainder of the season on August‭ ‬22‭ ‬with a cervical strain.‭  ‬He is fully recovered.‭  ‬Scott Schebler spent most of the year in Louisville.‭  ‬After playing in‭ ‬30‭ ‬games for the Reds,‭ ‬Schebler played in just‭ ‬53‭ ‬games for the Bats,‭ ‬hitting just‭ ‬.216‭ ‬in a season full of nagging injuries.

‭“‬I always thought highly of Scheb,‭” ‬Bell said.‭  “‬I know it was a disappointing year for him.‭ ‬You go through stuff like that sometimes.‭  ‬It is usually related to health like it was last year for Scheb.‭  ‬I’m looking forward to seeing him healthy.‭ ‬He’s still young.‭  ‬There is absolutely a path for him.‭”


The Reds added Travis Jankowski from the San Diego Padres for international salary cap space.‭  ‬They signed Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama to free agent contracts.‭  ‬They claimed left handed hitting,‭ ‬Mark Payton,‭ ‬in the Rule V draft from the Oakland Athletics system.‭  ‬The Reds have to keep him on the roster all season or offer him back to the Athletics for half the claiming price of‭ ‬$100,000.

‭“‬Mark Payton is going to get an opportunity,‭” ‬Bell said.‭ “‬He absolutely has a chance to be on this team.‭  ‬We selected him for a reason.‭ ‬He is a guy who had a bit of a break through last year.‭  ‬You see that more and more.‭  ‬A player will make an adjustment and really take off.‭”

Payton hit‭ ‬.334‭ ‬with‭ ‬30‭ ‬home runs for Las Vegas last season.

‭ Former Reds‭’ ‬center fielder was working with a group of outfielders that included Akiyama on Tuesday.‭  ‬The‭ ‬31-year old outfielder from Japan played a lot in center field,‭ ‬is expected to play in right or left field.‭

Bell will give him a chance to blend in using his experience,‭ ‬watching Ichiro Suzuki in his first year with the Mariners

‭“‬Ichiro had his own way of preparing for a season that was new and different,‭ ‬Bell said.‭ “‬I don’t remember him having much success in spring training to the point there was some concern from management and our manager‭ (‬Lou Piniella‭)‬.‭  ‬Ichiro had a plan.‭  ‬All of a sudden the season started.‭ ‬He knew exactly what he was doing.‭”

Akiyama will get the similar benefit ot the doubt.

‭“‬It is very important to keep it in perspective,‭” ‬Bell said.‭  “‬I try not to get real caught up in results.‭  ‬I’d rather take a deeper look.‭  ‬I’m just hoping to support Shogo.‭ ‬We are really fortunate,‭ ‬he chose to be here.‭  ‬It is not easy what he’s doing.‭  ‬We have to allow him to from a comfort standpoint,‭ ‬that he’s been for a long time.‭”

Joey Votto Rested and Ready to Rock

Joey Votto needed a break from the worst season of his career.

"I had a lot of downtime,” Votto said..  I did a lot of training but no baseball stuff. I feel good and ready to go.”

The 36-year old decided to pace himself and take a mental break from the game and come into the season refreshed and ready to go.  The Reds brought the position players in closer to the opening of the Cactus League games.  It was the approached Votto used to ramp up for the season.

"I've had off seasons before where I didn't do any baseball stuff and just conditioned.  I needed to just get away from baseball stuff for awhile," Votto said.

Votto has been through lean times and good times with the Reds.  As a youthful player himself, he broke into the big leagues himself in 2007 with 24 games in which he showed promise, hitting .321.  The next season, he was a regular.  By 2010 he was an MVP of the National League Central division champion.

Votto is a six-time NL All-Star, a Sporting News NL All-Star and the only Reds’ first baseman ever to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award. He received NL Most Valuable Player Award votes seven times in the 10 seasons, six times finished among the Top 10 and three times finished
among the Top 3.

The longest tenured current Reds player, who signed a 10-year contract through the 2023 season, he was a star player on a team that has suffered six losing seasons as they tried to rebuild.  Votto was not himself last season. His batting average was 40 points below his career average.  He hit just 15 home runs and walked just 76 times, the only time he has been below 100 walks in a season where he didn’t spend significant time on the injured list.

"Last year was the worst season of my career,” Votto said. “I played poorly and I don't want to rehash that.”

He decided to come to Arizona earlier than the appointed time.  He has been in and our of camp but didn’t work out a lot.

“I wanted to get acclimated to Arizona,” Votto said. “I was going to go on a trip I was going to go on a trip before I got here. But I decided against it because I didn’t want to deal with too much jet lag. I will have to save that for after we win the World Series”

Even though he was cleansing his mind from baseball.  He was aware of the many off season moves the front office was making.

"I followed the moves this winter,” Votto said. “I got a lot of messages from friends updating me on how we were looking. I was shocked for sure and it seemed like it was one after the other. I was pleasantly surprised.”

“Like anybody who has watched this team over the last little bit, I think we’re excited about being competitive throughout the entire season. If we stay healthy, we will play some meaningful baseball in September and hopefully in October,” Votto said.

Anthony DeSclafain First Player in Rebuild Deems Reds Ready

Anthony DeSclafani reflected on his best off season in years as he looked around the clubhouse that contained the Reds‭' ‬upgraded roster.‭ ‬That was clear when Pedro Strop entered the room and so many players who have had a heated rivalry with him as a Cubs reliever for the last six years roster.

The new faces and new attitude arrived together and DeSclafani watched from his winter home in Freehold,‭ ‬New Jersey.

‭“‬It was very exciting,‭” ‬Desclafani said.‭ “‬Early on it was clear that they‭ (‬front office‭) ‬was going to spend some money and make some additions.‭ ‬I think they exceeded a lot of people's expectations because of what that could have been.‭ ‬It seems like they added a lot of high quality players but also guys that are probably good team guys.

The first of the new players to sign free agent contracts with the Reds‭’ ‬left handed starter Wade Miley,‭ ‬who will bring a left handed presence to the Reds starting rotation.‭ ‬Sonny Gray,‭ ‬Trevor Bauer and Luis Castillo are expected to join DeSclafani in that rotation with Tyler Mahle adding depth.‭

DeSclafani was among the first wave of younger players that the Reds‭’ ‬wanted to build around.‭  ‬Luis Castillo is another.‭ ‬DeSclafani came to the Reds on December‭ ‬11,‭ ‬2014.‭  ‬Since then he’s had challenges on and off the field.

The Reds just were not a very good team after the last playoff game in‭ ‬2013.‭  ‬DeSclafani showed great promise in‭ ‬2015,‭ ‬making‭ ‬31‭ ‬starts,‭ ‬the most among National League rookies.‭  ‬He had a losing record at‭ ‬9-13‭ ‬with a‭ ‬4.05‭ ‬ERA and also had the most innings of any rookie‭ (‬184‭ ‬2/

‭“‬I've seen big players being traded away when I first got here,‭” ‬DeSclafani said.‭ “‬There were some big time Reds‭' ‬guys‭ (‬Jay Bruce,‭ ‬Johnny Cueto,‭ ‬Todd Frazier,‭ ‬Brandon Phillips,‭ ‬Mike Leake,‭ ‬Homer Bailey,‭ ‬Aroldis‭

The transition was painful on two levels.

‭“‬It was going through a rebuild and what not,‭ ‬It's definitely not fun.‭ ‬It is a completely different vibe now,‭ ‬knowing that nothing short of a World Series ring is acceptable.‭ ‬I feel like everyone feels that we can achieve that.‭  ‬It is up to us.‭”

DeSclafani stayed in tune with the changes in the National League Central with the moves that The St.‭ ‬Louis Cardinals,‭ ‬Chicago Cubs,‭ ‬Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates made this winter.

‭“‬The off season is fun in general to watch to see what moves are going on,‭ ‬who is going where.‭ ‬We were the most active in the division,‭ ‬We needed to be.‭ ‬It is very exciting,‭” ‬Desclafani said.

A painless off season after a strong finish to‭ ‬2019‭  ‬added to DeSclafani’s positive vibes.

Ijuries put him on the sidelines for most of the next three seasons.‭  ‬He made‭ ‬20‭ ‬starts in‭ ‬2016‭ ‬with a‭ ‬9-5‭ ‬record and a‭ ‬3.28‭ ‬ERA.‭  ‬He missed all of‭ ‬2017‭ ‬with a sprained right elbow.‭  ‬A strained left oblique limited the‭ ‬29-year old to‭ ‬21‭ ‬starts in which his record was‭ ‬7-8‭ ‬with a‭ ‬4.93‭ ‬ERA.

‭“‬It was great to have a full season under my belt,‭” ‬said the right hander who rebounded with a full‭ ‬31‭ ‬starts again.‭  ‬He was‭ ‬9-9‭ ‬with a very respectable‭ ‬3.98‭ ‬ERA.‭  ‬In his last‭ ‬8‭ ‬starts of the season beginning‭ ‬8/17‭ ‬went‭ ‬2-2,‭ ‬2.39‭ ‬and dropped his ERA from‭ ‬4.51.‭  ‬DeSclafani made five straight starts of at least six innings allowing fewer than three hits.‭  ‬That was the second time since‭ ‬1893‭ ‬when the mound was moved back to‭ ‬60‭‘‬6‭“‬.‭  ‬Only Johan Santana had a longer streak of seven games.‭  ‬He established a career high with‭ ‬151‭ ‬strikeouts,‭ ‬that included the‭ ‬500th of his career.‭  ‬He struck out the first nine Milwaukee Brewers he faced in a start on June‭ ‬23‭ ‬in Milwaukee.‭   ‬His success was not only attributed to his health but equally achieved with some changes made with the guidance of pitching coach.‭ ‬Derek Johnson.‭

“I struggled a few years.‭ ‬I'm feeling strong and healthy,‭” ‬DeSclafani said.‭ “‬I got a full year with mechanical changes and pitch usage‭  ‬If I can build off of that it is going to be an exiting year for me,‭ ‬too.‭”





A

Shogo Akiyama Takes First Batting Practice in America

Shogo Akiyama got into the batter's box and took his first swing with the Cincinnati Reds at spring training. He barely made contact.

“I was very embarrassed,” Akiyama said through translator Luke Shinoda. “I'm looking forward to tomorrow now."

He'll get plenty more chances.

Cincinnati signed Akiyama to a $21 million, three-year deal as part of its expensive offseason makeover. Akiyama, 31, became a free agent after his ninth season with the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League, where he was a five-time All-Star.

The center fielder could move to one of the corner spots in the Reds' unsettled outfield. Manager David Bell envisions him playing often and hitting near the top of the order.

Cincinnati has lacked a dependable leadoff hitter. Akiyama is known for making contact and getting on base. He had 56 triples and 251 doubles with the Lions.

Cincinnati had been the only team in the majors that had not signed a player from Japan. Akiyama feels a responsibility to do well as the breakthrough player.

“I wanted my teammates to remember my name because I'm the first Japanese player," he said Thursday.

For now, it's about getting accustomed to a new country, a new league and a new team. He doesn't know any of his new teammates very well yet. He met third baseman Eugenio Suarez when he was part of a group that toured Japan after the 2017 season.

“It's great to find him here,” Akiyama said.

Akiyama was among players reporting early for spring training. Reds players have physicals on Friday and the first workout of pitchers and catchers a day later. The rest of the roster is required to report next week.

Akiyama introduced himself to teammates and headed for the batting cage, where the results were less than he'd hoped. In the new setting, he struggled to hit the ball sharply.

“I was still dragging, but I will try to get a little more practice," he said. "It was the worst start that could happen.  It can only get better from here.”

Bell will have to figure out how to use Akiyama.

Cincinnati also signed outfielder Nick Castellanos, infielder Mike Moustakas, left-handed starter Wade Miley and reliever Pedro Strop in the offseason, committing $165 million an an effort to become a contender again. Akiyama could give the offense the boost it needs at the top of the order.

"I got to meet Shogo and his family,” Bell said Thursday.  “I can't wait to see him on the field. He is exciting to have.”

Great Expectations, New Faces, Excite Reds

Winter is officially over.

The baseballs were already under assault in early batting practice when David Bell began a search for parking on the day pitchers and catchers reported to the Reds’ complex in Goodyear, Arizona. 

There are more position players who reported early as the Reds decided to condense their workouts leading into opening day on March 26.

“Players showing up early can be eyewash a lot of times; guys getting out of the weather at home or wanting to get on the field for the first time,” Bell said. “but having said that there are a lot of guys here early, I can feel the excitement.  You can say that every spring but you know when it feels different. You look at the clubhouse and see it is full.  It looks like a regular workout day.“”

The Reds were busy during the off season.  They signed infielder Mike Moustakas, outfielders Travis Jankowski, Nick Castellanos and Shogo Akiyama. 

From the pitching side, the Reds signed left handed starter, Wade Miley, who pitched for the Houston Astros last season and Milwaukee in 2018.  The Reds added Tyler Thorburg and Pedro Strop.  Both righthanders have experience in the National League Central, Thornburg pitched with Milwaukee. Strop was a quality relief pitcher and sometimes closer the last six seasons with the Chicago Cubs.

All of the new players are in camp.

With the newer players augmenting the core from last season, the Reds lost Jose Iglesias and Alex Wood to free agency.  Iglesias was signed during spring training last season.  Wood, who was injured most of the season, came to the Reds in the big trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Kyle Farmer, who played multiple roles off the bench for the Reds is the only player from that trade left.  Wood, Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig are all gone.

The Reds have raised the expectations of the Cincinnati fans with the acquistions and Bell feels that.

“The expectations are higher. That’s the way it should be. We felt the momentum at the end of last season,” Bell said. “What we’re feeling in the clubhouse is the excitement with the moves that we made in the off season.”

Eugenio Suarez, who had a monster season in which he hit 49 home runs, had loose cartilage removed from his right shoulder January 28.  He had an accident in a swimming pool.  Nick Senzel had a torn labrum repaired in his right shoulder on September 24.

“The last report I had on Suarez was very encouraging,” Bell said.  “He’s responding really well to treatment.  We don’t know when he will be ready but it is looking more and more like he realistically will be ready for opening day. If ir doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. He is very postitive that it will happen. Nick Senzell is on a throwing program. He is hitting and running the bases. He is on target for opening day.”

Bell is familiar with Strop.  He was a coach with the Cubs when Strop came from
Baltimore.
“Miley  and Moustakas were players on winning players on good teams,” Bell said. “They are good teammates.  I spent time with Miley and his family but most of what I know about him as a pitcher comes from D.J. (pitching coach Derek Johnson).  I spent time with Castellanos.  He is a leader. I can’t wait to see Shogo. He is a quality person. There is something behind all that success. It is exciting to have him.”

The Reds are starting camp a little later than most teams.  The pitchers will get the same amount of time but the posistion players report four days before Cactus League games begin.  Even so many are here already.

“I encourage early arrival but there is a tendency to pace yourself. We will be here 40 days. It is all designed around getting pitchers ready. The challenge to the players is to come in ready,” Bell said.

Pedro Strop, Sal Romano, Derek Dietrich and Blake Trahan Join Reds in Goodyear

The Reds signed RHP Pedro Strop, a relief pitcher, to a one year contract for $1.825 million on February 5.  To make room for Strop the Reds designated RHP Sal Romano for re-assignment. 

Strop is expected to add a veteran presence to the Reds' bullpen.  Strop, 34, spent the last six seasons with the Chicago Cubs after breaking into the Majors with the Texas Rangers in 2009. He pitched 2 1/2 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.

Last season Strop appeared in 50 games for the Cubs.  He had a 2-5 record with 10 saves.

Romano cleared waivers and was invited to the Reds' major league camp as a non-roster player.  He pitched in 12 games in Cincinnati after spending most of the season in Louisville.  He was 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA. He also saved two games.

The Reds signed INF Derek Dietrich to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. They invited INF Blake Trahan to major league camp.

Dietrich was granted free agency on November 4.  He played in 113 games with the Reds, hitting 18 home runs with a .221 average in his first 52 games of the season but was relegated to a bench role, when Scooter Gennett came off the injured list on June 28. He managed just two home runs over the second half of the season while his batting average dipped to .187, spending 18 days on the injured list from August 5 through August 23.

Trahan played 11 games for the Reds in 2018, batting .214.  He played in 105 games for Louisville last season, hitting .228 with five home runs and 29 RBI.  Trahan was the Reds' third round pick in the 2015 draft.  The Reds designated Trahan for assignment on August 5.  He cleared waivers and assigned to Louisville, outright. on August 8.