Hunter Greene Earns Spot In Reds Rotation Mahle Will Start Home Opener Too

 

 

 

   

Hunter Greene cracked the Reds' starting rotation to start the season.

Tyler Mahle will start opening day against the Atlanta Braves on the road and the home opener against the Cleveland Guardians on April 12.  Greene will make his major league debut April 10 against the Braves.

Reiver Sanmartin, Vladimir Guitirrez will pitch in the other two games of the series. 

It will be one of the least experienced rotations in Reds' history with 123 major league starts combined.

The Reds will need to choose a fifth starter for game six.  It could be rookie Nick Lodolo but that would require a roster move since he is not on the major league roster.

“Hunter had a lot of confidence this day would come but it is still a dream come true,” David Bell said.  “Sometimes for a guy like him it can be more difficult with the expectations.”

Greene was the second player picked in the 2017 draft.

“He's had a tough road with injuries,” said Bell.  Greene missed the 2019 season due to surgery on his right elbow.

“What it comes down to for me is are they ready to handle, not so much the success but the failure. It is such a big part of the game," Bell said.

Greene was told on Monday afternoon that He would face the World Champions.

“I'm still at a loss for words. I knew yesterday but I had to keep it on the down low.  I told my family," Greene said.  “A lot of work went into this. There were so many obstacles, so many ups and downs but it is not going to be the last time I face adversity.  I've learned a lot of life lessons. I had to grow up pretty quick for somethings.”

“I've been challenged all my life. I'm looking forward to facing the World Champions,” Greene said.  “Whatever happens but I'm going out there to compete. I already started looking at who they've got."

His second start will be against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his hometown.

“I will miss Jackie Robinson Day by a day,” Greene said.  “That would mean the world.  I was actually asking if I could keep that jersey.  I would pay whatever they asked.  It is just a historic moment.  I hope one day in the future one of my start dates would be on that day.  He is one of my idols, actually my only baseball idol. I've always looked up to him.  He was a great role model for the game and just for life.”

Luis Castillo and Mike Minor are going to start the season in the injured list.  

Nick Lodolo, the Reds first choice in the 2019 draft is still in the mix but adding him would require the Reds to make room for him on the roster.Tony Santillan will work out of the bullpen.  He was competing for the rotation and pitched well this spring.

“He was told yesterday,” Bell said. “He was built up a little bit so his role might be different in the early going but he will pitch in meaningful games.  The fact that he can go two or three innings will come into play."

Donovan Solano left the game on Tuesday with a strained left hamstring.  He will miss the start of the season.

The Reds optioned TJ Friedl to Triple A Louisville.  Albert Almora Jr and Jake Bauer were reassigned to minor league camp.

Reiver Sanmartin and Nick Lodolo Make Their Bid For Rotation Spots Tyler Stephenson Has Three Hits

 

 

 

 

Reiver Sanmartin and Nick Lodolo each pitched three innings without allowing an earned run in the Reds' 7-1 win over the Texas Rangers.

Sanmartin won both his starts in September, last year with a 1.54 ERA.  He made his debut on September 27. The left hander compiled a 10-2 record in 17 starts with Chattanooga and Louisville.

This spring Sanmartin, who was smiling ear to ear after his second spring outing, has logged four innings, allowing an unearned run on one hit.  The Rangers scored with the aid of a double error by Colin Moran 

"I feel really good.  I'm ready for the season to start," said Sanmartin.  "I worked on my change and slider and they were good today."

Fans will like that Sanmartin doesn't dawdle when he's on the mound.  He takes the ball from the catcher and is ready to go.

"I like to keep the rhythm quick like that.  I always do.  That way the batter doesn't think about what's the next pitch."

Pitching in the big leagues helped him this spring.

"It really helped a lot. Now you know you can't mess up any pitches," Sanmartin said.

"It was a good day.  He gets outs. He and Lodolo are pitching with real confidence," Bell said."They both feel like they belong and they do.  It is just a matter of making sure it is the right time."

Lodolo was just as effective allowing one hit to the 10 batters he faced.  The Reds' top draft choice in 2019 out of Texas Christian University, has allowed one run in 7 1/3 innings in three spring appearances.  Lodolo is not on the 40-man roster.  He has a shot to start the season in Cincinnati. Luis Castillo and Mike Minor will not be ready for the start of the season.

Lodolo left the game and threw the equivalent of another inning.

"I felt better than the last time.  I want to keep building," Lodolo said.  "I feel like my stuff is good enough. I believe in myself. I've been facing everyone's actual lineup.  It is a confidence builder."

Tony Santillan, Hunter Greene, Vladimir Gutierrez, Jeff Hoffman and Lodolo are in competition to fill the starting rotation behind Tyler Mahle.

Offensively, Tyler Stephenson had three hits and drove in a run. TJ Friedl hit a two=run home run, his second of the spring.  Albert Almora Jr. and Mike Siani had a hit and a walk.  The Reds stole four bases.bei

Donovan Soloano,  who is auditioning for the backup shortstop job, left the game in third inning with a hamstring pull.  "We will see how bad it is tomorrow," Bell said.  Almora left in the after the third inning with soreness in his shoulder.

Aramis Garcia Makes His Case For Backup Catcher's Job Tyler Mahle Tunes Up For Opener

 

 

 

 

With the caveat that statistics and individual plays don't mean a whole lot in spring training.  There are more than stats that determine roster decisions but Aramis Garcia has left a positive impression for the job of backup catcher.

Garcia hit his third home run of the spring and threw out Alexander Canario stealing.

David Bell knows Garcia from his year in player development with the San Francisco Giants.

"I know him well from San Francisco," said David Bell, who spent a year in the Giants' player development department. "He was a top prospect for them but didn't get the opportunities but he's still the same player.  I think he's in a good spot here.  We're going to give him a good look.  He's always been able to hit.  I'm going to have J.R. (House) work with him on the catching side of things.  The backup catching job is wide open.  You never know what can happen."

Garcia's home run was the difference in the game.  He caught the Reds' opening day starter, Tyler Mahle, who gave up a run in his 3 2/3 innings.

"He is making a good case," Bell said.  "He can swing the bat.  We have Andrew Knapp here and they're competing for the last spot. It will be tough. They have both shown what they can do.  Garcia can really hit and he's swinging the bat well and making improvements behind the plate."

Mahle seems ready for the season to start.

"I like where I am," Mahle said.  "I threw some good pitches tonight and some bad pitches.  I got a lot of swings and misses on my slider.  I've been working on it.  Last year I had a good fastball and split finger  but my slider wasn't there.  It is good to have three pitches."

"It was nice that Mahle got four innings," Bell said.  "He was really efficient so we could get him up to four innings.  It was just typical Tyler Mahle.  He had a really good fastball. He located it well.  He is right where we want him with one start left."

Tony Santillan and Daniel Duarte held the lead for three innings with Santillan allowing a hit and a walk in two scoreless innings.  Santillan is in a battle to start the season in the starting rotation hebut will work out of the bullpen if he doesn't.  Bell threw some hints that Santillan would start the season in the rotation barring a late spring collapse.

"Wow, the first inning he was doing it with his fastball and his slider," Bell exclaimed.  "In the second inning he just dominated with his slider.  He's pitching with so much confidence.  Still no decisions have been made in his role but no matter what he does, I'm pretty excited for Tony.  He's not afraid of hitters."

The Cubs, Brennan Davis hit a two-run home run off Dauri Moreta to give the Cubs a 4-2 win.

Reds Tie Rockies As They Learn The Kind Of Depth They Have

 

 

 

 

Donovan Solano hit two doubles and scored two runs and the edged the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The game ended in a 4-4 tie when Brian Severn hit a solo home run off Phillip Diehl in the ninth inning.

Solano, a veteran, signed with the Reds to back up, Kyle Farmer and other infield positions.  He was held out a few days after he was hit by a pitch on Tuesday.

The lineup included most of the projected starters but minor leaguer, James Marinan started on the mound.  The Reds saw what their bench and bullpen could look like.

"The depth is important," David Bell said.  "It's not set yet who is going to be on the bench but I want everybody to be a big past of this team.  Even the guys going to Louisville will add depth.  I see Solano and 

(Jake) Fraley playing a lot. Solano is just a good player.  He's shown that in a lot of years.  He can hit. He's a solid defender. He is going to see time at multiple infield positions."

Bullpen candidates Art Warren and Ryan Hendrix had strong innings.

"They both had good days," Bell said.  "We've seen where Hendrix can dominate with his stuff.  When he's throwing strikes he gets a lot of swing and miss.  There is a lot of value in that.  He's pitching with a lot of confidence.  The only thing that's hurt him or held him back is he can walk guys.  Right now he's not trying to do too much.  He's trusting what he needs to do because his stuff is as good as anybody's."

Hunter Greene Gets Second Spring Start Vladimir Gutierrez Has A Good Outing

 

 

 

 

Hunter Greene, the Reds' top pick in the 2017 pitched in his second spring game.

Greene and Vladimir Gurierrez each pitched two scoreless innings in what is turning into a competition to fill four spots behind Tyler Mahle.

The Reds lost Sonny Gray and Wade Miley from the roster.  Luis Castillo and Mike Minor are behind the others and will not likely be ready on April 7 when the season starts in Atlanta.

Greene had some base runners to work around in his two frames.

He gave up four singles and struck out one.

"I felt good. I felt like my pitches were coming out nice," Greene said.  "I feel good about my change up. Guys were a little off balance. It just makes the fastball that much better.  The fastball's great the slider's cool but the change up is where my mind's at.  I'm happy with that."

He had to work out of the stretch.

"It's going to happy.  I'm getting comfortable with that.  DJ (pitching coach Derek Johnson) says, 'you're going to be working from the stretch more than the wind up."

"I think I'm doing well.  I have a lot of confidence in myself," Greene said. "I'm trying to stay in the middle and not get too hyped up about making the team."

Gutierrez, who pitched very well last year, allowed just one hit and struck out three.

The Reds top of the order Jonathan reached on pitcher Tyler Rogers throwing error after Shogo Akiyama opened the inning with a single.  Kyle Farner singled in Akiyama and Joey Votto singled off Rogers' ankle to knock in a run.  

Jeff Hoffman, Buck Farmer, Kyle Dowdy made the lead stand up until the ninth. Riley O'Brien gave up the Giants lone run in the ninth as the Reds prevailed 2-1.

Reds' pitching was good all day.

"Hunter had a good fastball.  He had a good slider.  He gave up a couple hits with two stirikes," Bell said.  "I don't think he's happy but we're happy where he is.  Vladimir was really good. I thought that was how he looked early in the season last year.  The ball was coming out of his hand real good.  He was making pitchers, locating and his stuff was there," Bell said.

Tommy Pham Signs On As The Reds Left Fielder

 

 

 

 

 Reds signed outfielder Tommy Pham to a one year contract this morning.

David Bell will put him in left field with Jake Fraley this season. 

"He will be a big part of our team, a big part of our lineup.  He's going to play a lot.  He is going to play left field. He's another guy because of the DH will be part of that mix. Tommy Pham is an all around player.  We dol have the DH this year so, again it just opens up that rotation."

Bell knows Pham well from his days with the St. Louis CardinalThes.

I got to know Tommy really well in the St. Louis organization. I actually got to know him before he was in our major league camp.  The first time I saw Tommy. He was int he minor league camp and I was an assistant hitting coach. So, I was in the cage all the time.  He was always the last guy in the cage. It seemed like for hours he was in their working by himself.  We spent a couple of years together on the major league team. He is just a guy who earned everything.  Even to get to the big leagues in the first place. It says a lot about him, the way he works hard.  He's really competitive. He's going to add a lot to our team. He's turned himself into a really good player.  His track record speaks for itself."

Pham's competitiveness was on display in his first comments after the deal became official.

 I looked at this team, the park, the manager. I have a great history with DB (Bell). I love him from my time in St. Louis. I get to get with one of my hitting  coaches, Joey Votto.  I text him. He's my hitting coach man. I'm telling you guys. He helped me get my swing right. We talked hitting through the years."

"The Reds were one of the teams that called early. I actually think they called before the lockout too.  It is just how it all got drawn together."

"I have a lot of catching up to do. I'm going to be on these back fields a lot. I have to get my game right, offense, defense.  Everyone in baseball pretty much got a two week head start from me.

"I am going to approach this season as a revenge tour.  I'm playing to get my numbers, man.  I'm being dead honest with you.  There is nothing selfish about it.  I'm playing to get some numbers.I don't care about anything else. I'm looking out for me. At the end of the day baseball is going to move on without me.  I have to get mine right now."

In eight season Pham is a .265 hitter with 97 home runs and an even 300 RBI.  His best year was with the Cardinals in 2017 when he hit .306 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI.

Joey Votto Hit His First Home Run Nick Lodolo Completes His Second Outing Against Kansas City

 

 

 

 

Joey Votto hit his first home run of the spring of left handed starter, Daniel Lynch, of the Kansas City Royals. 

Nick Lodolo pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and a run in his second start.  Lodolo has an increased chance of making the opening day roster since Luis Castillo and Mike Minor will not be ready for the start of the season.

"I threw the ball pretty good," Lodolo said.  "I could have been a little sharper but I made pitches when I needed to. I moved the ball around for the most part."

Lodolo got out of a jam in the second inning.

"I haven't worked out of the stretch much," Lodolo said.  "That was something that was good to take away from the game."

"Maybe it wasn't his best stuff," David Bell said.  "He was able to get his pitch count up. He kind of locked in his breaking ball.  It was a good step for Nick."

Lodolo, who is not on the major league roster, has an uphill climb to crack the starting rotation.

"I don't do roster math.  I just pitch and compete and put yourself in the best positions. It is what I like to do," Lodolo said

 Wilson, a bullpen candidate gave up a three-run home run to Bobby Witt Jr.

Tony Santillan breezed through two scoreless innings. Art Warren had a nice inning according to Bell.

"Santillan was really good," Bell said. "He continues to just gain confidence each time out.  He is going in the direction where we can build him up but not too much so we can't back him up."

Santillan is being built up to start in case he's needed but also could work multiple innings out of the bullpen.

The Royals got three hits in the ninth to take game,5-4.

Tyler Mahle Faces Brewers After He's Named Opening Day Starter Elly De La Cruz Steals The Show

 

 

 

 

Tyler Mahle faced Corbin Burnes on Wednesday night in Goodyear af ter he found out he will be the opening day starter in Atlanta on April 7.  The Reds play four games over the weekend, then have Monday off.  It is conceivable that Mahle could start the home opener on April 12 against the Cleveland Guardians.

Mahle pitched two innings against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday.  He allowed a run on two hits and a walk but struck out three.

A fascinating prospect Elly De La Cruz, who is a slender 6'5" left handed hitting shortstop hit a line drive grand slam, home run off Brad Boxberger to send the Reds to a 12-8 win. The crowd started buzzing after the blow.

De La Cruz is just 20-years old but has people talking here in camp.  The home run was hit on a line over the left field fence at Goodyear Ball Park.

A lot was written about him from minor league camp.  He played in the Dominican Summer League in 2019 but didn't play at all in 2020.  Last year De La Cruz started in the Arizona Rookie League but skipped Dayton for Daytona.

"I feel very emotional and a little nervous too from everything that's going on right now," De La Cruz said through an interpreter.  "I try to have a clear mind at all times. Once I got the call to get in the game and after that home run really, I got all jacked up. The fans were waving at me and cheering me on."

Manager David Bell heard a lot about him but had never seen him play.

"At first it was just fun getting him into a game.  I got to spend five or ten minutes talking to him," Bell said.  "I heard about his family and his background. It was really enjoyable.  He is very confident, intelligent and really sure of himself in a good way for a young kid.  Watching him play you kind of got a sense that something like that was going to happen.  He wanted that at bat for sure."

Jake Fraley was supposed to start but fell ill.  T.J. Friedl had two hits including a home run in Fraley's place.

Aramis Garcia, who is trying to stick with the club as a back up catcher, drove in two runs with a single.  He hit two home runs in his last outing.

Mahle was long gone by the time De La Cruz put a charge into the ball but finished his great day by tuning up for his opening day start.

"Mahle is right on track. He is healthy, strong.  He will get a couple more outings. He will be where he needs to be," Bell said.

Tyler Mahle Gets The Call To Pitch Opening Day In Atlanta

 

 

 

 

Tyler Mahle was named the opening day starter on April 7 in Atlanta.  It was hours before the 27-year old was to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers and Corbin Burnes.

Manager David Bell gave the four-year veteran the news on Wednesday morning ahead of his second spring training start.

“It means a lot,” Mahle said.  “Some people never get to do this. I may only get to do it once.  I don't know so, I will try to make the most of it and have a lot of fun.”

The 27-year-old Mahle tied for the major league lead with 33 starts last season, finishing with a team-best 13-6 record with a 3.75 ERA.

“It was a real honor to give him the news,” Bell said.  “He doesn't always show it, but he was really excited. He knows how important it is, and he's earned it. He has quietly become one of the best pitchers in baseball."

Luis Castillo made the season opening-day start last season and in two of the last three.  He has shoulder pain and is expected to miss at least his first start of the season.

Sonny Gray was the opening-day starter in 2020 but was traded to the Minnesota Twins for right-handed prospect Chase Petty before camp opened.

“I was surprised to be named because Castillo has been our guy for the last couple years," Mahle said.  “He still is our guy, but I'm really excited."

Mahle has made 94 big league starts with the Reds and has a 26-31 career record.

“The last couple seasons I took a big step from the two previous seasons,” Mahle said. “I was able to compete on a more consistent basis.”

Also Wednesday, the Reds signed right-hander Hunter Strickland. The eight-year veteran made 57 relief appearances with the Rays, Angels and Brewers last season.  

“He's going to pitch on the back end of our bullpen,” Bell said.

Third baseman Mike Moustakas left Tuesday's game with a sore left shoulder after diving for a groundball.  Bell said Moustakas will be held out of games until Saturday.

Jonathan India and Nick Senzel Continue To Hit Roster Size Raised For April

 

 

 

 

Rookie of the Year, Jonathan India and Nick Senzel have been productive at the plate through the first five Cactus League games.

India opened the game against Walker Buehler of the Los Angeles Dodgers with a single, then hit his second home run.  The Reds pounded out 13 hits to beat the Dodgers, 10-8.

Senzel's sharp single scored Kyle Farmer, giving him three RBI so far.  The Reds have him getting at bats in minor league games.  He had an infield single later in the game.

"Nick looks really good, swinging the bat well, moving well," David Bell said.  "He looks healthy."

The Reds are putting him in Minor League games in between starts.

"He didn't get enough at bats last year," Bell said. 

Mike Moustakas was shaken up and removed from the game after diving for a ground ball and flexed his left shoulder.  Max Schrock took his place in the fifth inning.

"It looked like he was in a lot pain. He landed on it wrong," David Bell said.  "He thought maybe it popped out. When he went in the doctors checked him out and he was fine with full range of motion. We'll know for sure tomorrow but they didn't send him to X-rays."

Three-run home runs by Kyle Farmer and Jake Bauers lifted the Reds over their ancient rival.

Will Smith from the University of Louisville hit a three-run home run for the Dodgers.

Vladimir Gutierrez, who has a head start for the starting rotation, pitched one inning.

"It is tough to see a ton.  We're not rushing it trying to get thees guys ready," Bell said.  "You couldn't see a ton in one inning but he looked like he always does." 

Major League Baseball has expanded the roster by two players for the month of April.  They do not need to be pitchers but more than likely they will be.  Pitchers need more time to stretch out performances.  They changed the roster for the month to help the process.

Baseball will keep the "ghost runners" rule by starting every extra inning with a runner on second base.

Jose Berrero Out Six Weeks Pitchers Lag Behind

 

 

 

From the Associated Press Shortstop Barrero, starter Castillo among injured Reds Luis Castillo Photo by: Jay LaPrete/AP Cincinnati Reds' Luis Castillo plays against the Washington Nationals during a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) By: Associated PressPosted at 2:49 PM, Mar 22, 2022 and last updated 11:49 AM, Mar 22, 2022 

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cincinnati Reds shortstop José Barrero needs hand surgery and will be sidelined for about six weeks, manager David Bell said Tuesday. Seen as the Reds’ shortstop of the future, the 23-year-old Barrero was scheduled to have hook hamate surgery Tuesday in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Kyle Farmer is the presumptive everyday shortstop for the Reds but Barrero was expected to see more playing time this season. 

 Also Tuesday, Bell said right-hander Luis Castillo may miss his first start of the regular season with shoulder soreness. He was expected to start long-tossing on Tuesday. 

 A lingering shoulder injury will keep right-hander Justin Dunn sidelined for the next couple months. The 26-year-old Dunn came to the Reds in the trade that sent All-Star Jesse Winker and slugger Eugenio Suárez to the Seattle Mariners.  

Right-hander Mike Minor, who came to the Reds from the Royals in exchange for reliever Amir Garrett, has shoulder soreness that he has dealt with before, Bell said. He was scheduled to throw in the bullpen Tuesday. 

 

 

 

 

India, Stephenson need to carry more of the load for Reds

By Gary Schatz | AP

Today at 1:04 p.m. EDT

Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson (37) and Jonathan India (6) celebrate after scoring off India’s two-run home run in the ninth inning of the baseball game against the New York Mets, July 30, 2021, in New York. Jonathan India and Tyler Stephenson pledge to avoid the “sophomore jinx” by setting new goals for the 2022 season taking on more responsibility in Reds’ new lineup. India exceeded expectations by winning the Reds’ second base job and then National League Rookie of the Year. Stephenson showed that he could Cincinnati’s everyday catcher. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Jonathan India exceeded expectations by winning the Reds’ second base job and then National League Rookie of the Year.

Rookie Tyler Stephenson last season showed that he could be Cincinnati’s everyday catcher.

Both will try to avoid a sophomore letdown while being asked to carry more of the load in the Reds offense in 2022.

After being stuck at the alternate site during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, India came to camp in 2021 to prove himself.

He won the starting job at second base in spring training while providing the Reds’ offense with a reliable-lead off hitter.

On May 8, India’s batting average dipped to a season-low .208. But then he took off, flirting with the .300 mark and showing surprising power with 21 home runs after hitting 17 in two minor league seasons.

He finished .269/.376/.409 with 57 extra base hits and a team-leading 12 stolen bases.

The 25-year-old India knows he has much more work to do.

“I don’t consider myself established yet,” he said. “I want to improve as a player. I have one year under my belt. I still have to prove myself. All I can do is get better at my game.

“I want to be more consistent at the plate and improve my stolen bases,” said India, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft out of the University of Florida. “I just need to work and get better every day. I will pick a routine and stick to it.”

Stephenson also found success in his first full season.

A first-round draft pick in 2015, he made his major league debut in 2020, hitting a home run in his first at-bat. Last spring he came to camp trying to stick as a backup catcher behind Tucker Barnhart.

Stephenson not only filled that role, he established himself as a middle-of-the-lineup hitter to the point that the Reds played him at first base to get his bat in the lineup, spelling Joey Votto.

His batted .286 with 21 doubles and 10 homers and instilled so much confidence that the Reds traded Barnhart to the Detroit Tigers.

“I am working on the catching position,” Stephenson said. “I’m working on my catching stance and getting in better position. Other than that, I’m just trying to have fun and make some adjustments, nothing major.”

He wants to reward the Reds for the confidence in him.

“I want to go out there and play as much as I can,” Stephenson said. “Whatever that is, first base, DH, I don’t care. As long as I can play a lot, I’m fine with that.”

His time behind Barnhart, who won two Gold Gloves, enabled his quick development.

“I learned so much from Tuck,” the 25-year-old Stephenson said. “He taught me how to be a professional. He came in to work every day. I learned so much about how to catch, how to be a professional.”

The Reds traded Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez before training camp started and lost Nick Castellanos to free agency, making it even more important that the young players reach the next level. 

Jonathan India's Encore, The All-Star Team Helps Reds Overpower San Francisco

 

 

 

 

What does Jonathan India do for an encore?

He wants to be the All-Star second baseman.

"I don't consider myself established yet.  I want to improve as a player,"  India said before leading the Cactus League game against the San Francisco Giants with a home run.  "I have one year under my belt.  I still have to prove myself.  All I can do is get better at my game."

One of the facets or the game, he'd ;like to improve is base stealing as well as being more consistent at the plate.  Last season India was hitting .353 on April 13 but dipped to .208 a month later.  India built his average back to a high of .287 but finished with a .269 batting average.  To put that in perspective, Pete Rose finished his 1963 rookie season with a .269 average.

India stole 12 bases in 14 attempts last year.  He wants to run more.

"I want to be more consistent at the plate and improve my stolen bases," India said.  "I just need to work and get better every day.  I will pick a routine and stick to it."

The 25-year old from Florida, reached base three times against the Giants.  He walked and singled in three plate appearances.  He was thrown out at second base and charged with a caught stealing.  It was not a straight steal however.  India took off for second when catcher, Patrick Bailey dropped a pitch.

For the second straight day the Reds clobbered the opposing left handed pitcher.  It was Sam Long this time.

Nick Senzel and Max Schrock tripled in front of Aristedes Aquino's long home run.  Joey Votto doubled India home later in the inning.  Chris Okey, a catcher vying for the backup job, hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to seal a 9-4 Cincinnati victory.

"It was nice to see Okey hit that," manager David Bell said.  "He's been here every year.  He looks better every year. That was fun to watch. 

Tony Santillan worked two scoreless innings.  Santillan pitched well last season in spite of a tender right ankle that prevented him from pushing off the rubber as he would have liked.  The right hander who could win a starting role or could work multiple innings out of the bullpen, had surgery on the ankle this winter and deemed in 100 percent now.

"I feel as good as I can feel right now," Santillan said.  "I came in ready to go.  It was bothering since late May, early June. It wasn't going to stop me from throwing. They told me to be ready to start.  It is easier to build up.  I will be ready for whatever they need me to do."

Santillan allowed a hit and a walk and fanned three.

"He looked just like he did at the end of the season," Bell said.  "He was real aggressive and attacking with all his pitches.  He looks healthy, no issues with his ankle."

Senzeil, penciled in at center field is off to a fast start.

"He looks healthy, too," Bell said.  "We will get him some at bats in minor league games just because he didn't have many at bats last year."

Aramis Garcia And Reds' Lefty Hitters Clobber Oakland

 

 

 

 

The Reds in search of a backup catcher signed 29-year old Aramis Garcia as a free agent in November. The Oakland Athletics released him in September.

Garcia hit three home runs for the A's in 88 at bats last season.

"I know him well from San Francisco," said David Bell, who spent a year in the Giants' player development department. "He was a top prospect for them but didn't get the opportunities but he's still the same player.  I think he's in a good spot here.  We're going to give him a good look.  He's always been able to hit.  I'm going to have J.R. (House) work with him on the catching side of things.  The backup catching job is wide open.  You never know what can happen."

On Saturday in the Reds' Cactus League contest against the team that released him, Garcia hit home runs in his first two at bats, the first came in the first inning in which the Reds scored seven runs.

The Reds first seven batters in the lineup were left handers, scheduled to face southpaw, Sean Manaea.  The lefties took it too Manaea and fellow lefty Brian Howard.  Six of the first seven hitters singled, including Mike Moustakas.  Gacia and young Matt McLain were the only right-handed hitters in the Reds' lineup.

The seven-run first inning led to a 9-3 Reds' win.

McLain was the Reds' first pick in the 2021 draft out of UCLA.  He walked after Garcia's first homer and singled sharply after Garcia's second bomb the which nearly hit the scoreboard past the berm in left center field. 

The 22-year old looked quick and smooth, fielding a ball in the hole at shortstop and making a quick relay on a double play ground ball.

"You can tell what kind of player he is.  He's played at a high level. The game seems really slow for him for such a young age.  He seems unfazed," Bell said.

Jake Fraley, who was in the Winker/Suarez trade on Monday reached base three times with two singles and a walk.

Tyler Mahle started for Cincinnati and pitched a scoreless first inning.  

"He look just like last season," Bell said. "That first inning got too long so we didn't send him back out."

Ben Lively, who returned to the Reds after an eight-year absence, allowed a run but struck out five batters of the last six batters he faced.

Jake Bauer also hit a home run for the Reds.

Oakland batter, Buddy Reed, had a strange at bat.  His foul pop was dropped by third baseman Cristian Santana.  He then struck out against Randy Wynne and catcher Chuckie Robinson threw the ball around the horn.  The problem was Robinson's catch of the third strike was not clean and Reed took off for first base.  He was thrown out 2-5-4-3.

The Unknown Reds Nick Lodolo Face Off Against The Newly Named Cleveland Guardians

 

 

 

 

The are down two starters in its rotation with Wade Miley and Sonny Gray departing before the 2022 spring training started. 

Nick Lodolo is one candidate to replace them.  The Reds first pick in the 2019 draft has been in camp for a month as a minor leaguer.  Manager David Bell gave him the ball to start the Cactus League season because he was able to get some throwing in.

The 24-year old lefty out of Texas Christian University, rolled through the newly named Cleveland Guardians. Lodolo retired all six batters he faced, striking out four, including Franmil Reyes, Bobby Bradley and Bradley Zimmer in the second frame.

"It has been a long time," said Lodolo of facing Major League hitters.  "It helped that I have been here throwing.  I was crisp.  I think that is a good word.  it didn't take long to get comfortable on the mound."

Lodolo made 10 starts with Chattanooga last season.  He was 2-1 with a 1.84 ERA which earned him a promotion to Louisville.  He made three starts for the Bats, going 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

The pressure to earn a spot in the starting rotation is non existent to Lodolo.  "It is the same as always.  I just want to come in and get the work done."

David Bell has noticed a change.

"He looks more mature and strong," Bell said.  "He pitched with confidence.  He had a good fast ball, cutter and got a couple strikeouts with his change up."

Brandon Williamson, who was acquired in the trade with Seattle for Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez, on Monday, followed with two innings.  He allowed a run on three hits.

Lodolo and Williamson were teammates at TCU and are still roommates in the off season.

"Williamson had good mound presence," Bell said. "He and Lodolo looked similar."

The Reds jumped to a two-run lead when Joey Votto singled, Tyler Stephenson doubled and Nick Senzel hit a double.  Senzel is trying to stay healthy for the first time in his professional career and win the starting center field job.  Winker and Nick Castellanos are missing after being part of last year's starting outfield.

"Nick looked good.  He's moving pretty well," Bell said.  

Jake Fraley, acquired from Seattle last week, Shogo Akiyama, Aristedes Aquino, Allan Cerda, T.J. Friedl and Tyler Naquin are also in the mix.  Aquino is out of options. 

The Guardians broke a 2-2 tie in the late innings to take the only meeting between these teams this spring.