Brady Singer Roped The Rangers Elly De La Cruz And Matt McLain Hog Tied Them

 

 

Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Brady Singer dominated Texas Rangers hitters while the Reds hitters dominated Kumar Rocker with Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, leading the charge. The Reds’ shortstop clubbed two home runs and knocked in seven using the new “Torpedo Bat,”

Singer in his first start for the Reds allowed one hit and two walks in seven innings while striking out eight. In a 14-3 drubbing of the Texans.

“I thought he was outstanding. That’s a good offensive club, a dangerous offensive club,” Reds’ manager Terry Francona said. “He established all his pitches, He worked quick. On a night when it’s cold. It is better to be in the dugout than on the field.”

Singer just attacked hitters all night, getting his team off the field which helped the offense. 

“Me and Trevie (catcher Jose Trevino) had a good game plan,” Singer said. “I was able to execute and throw the sinker to both sides of the plate. I threw a lot of cutters tonight. I threw to both left handers and right handers. I felt comfortable with it pretty quick. The offense was incredible. Elly is really good at baseball.”

The Reds rocked Rocker in the first inning. TJ Friedel singled to center. McLain slammed his third home run in three games to give the Reds an early lead. De La Cruz singled to left. He pilfered the Reds’ first stolen base of the season and continued to third on Jonah Heim’s throwing error. Gavin Lux doubled to score De La Cruz. Rocker retired the next three batters.

“It is fun hitting with Elly behind me. He puts a lot of pressure on the pitcher,” McLain said. “It’s funny. Elly needed a triple for the cycle and hit a home run. Every pitch they threw over the middle, he hammered. That’s impressive.”

De La Cruz’ first home run of the season was to dead center with Jose Trevino, who singled and McLain, who walked on base.

“I’m on the late show marveling at De La Cruz,” Francona said. “The most impressive thing was his line drive to left field. When he does that, it means he’s on balance. It makes it hard. You better make some pretty good pitches when he’s on balance like that.”

“He used the torpedo bat but I think it’s more the player than the bat,” Francona insisted. “I meant that before the game. I still do.”

The Reds tacked on half a dozen runs off Gerson Garabito in the sixth inning. The inning was highlighted by a two-run double by De La Cruz, an RBI single by McLain and Spencer Steer’s first hit of the season, a two-run single. It was a 436’ homer at that. 

“It feels good to hit the ball hard, the way,” De La Cruz said. “The torpedo bat feels good. I’ve used it in practice. 

I just wanted to know if it feels good. Trevino talked about it in spring training but I didn’t use it in a game until today.”

“I feel like I’m more in control than I was last year. I’m more mature, on defense and on offense.”

Jake Burger hit a two-run home run to cap the scoring.

McLain drove home three runs. De La Cuz seven RBI tied Javier Valentine for the most by a Reds’ switch hitter in franchise history. Valentine accomplished it on July 17. 2005. 

Singer is the first Cincinnati pitcher since 1900 to pitch seven innings with just one hit in the first game for the Reds.

Trainer’s Room:

Christian Encarnacion-Strand was hit on the right wrist by Gerson Garabito in the sixth inning. He left the game but it was checked and is not broken.

"He's day-to-day," Francona said.

Spencer Steer was in the lineup as a designated hitter against the Giants but will not play in the field until he successfully completes his throwing program.

“My shoulder is getting better,” Steer said. “It’s more dialing in my mechanics. My mechanics kind of went out the window when I was trying to play through it last year. There were a lot of compensating patterns in the way I threw. It almost feels like we’re starting from scratch.”

Andrew Abbott pitched five innings in Arizona on March 27 in a minor league game. He got up to 74 pitches in his outing.

Carson Spiers was also scheduled to pitch in advance of his first start on April 1 against the Texas Rangers.

According to manager Terry Francona, Rhett Lowder and Wade Miley are progressing through their throwing program.

“Lowder is doing good. He’s (throwing) off the mound.” Francona said. “Miley is going to throw two innings to live 

hitters, I think tomorrow (March 30).” 

Tyler Stephenson had a cat scan on Wednesday (March 26). He will have an MRI on April 7 and will not go on the road trip to Milwaukee and San Francisco. 

“We’re trying to make sure before we give him more to do,” Francona. “He’s made a vast improvement.”

Reds Mistakes Allow Giants Win

 

 

Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The San Francisco Giants took advantage of key Cincinnati errors physically and mentally to push their lead from one run to a 6-3 win.

Nick Matinez made his first start of the season against left hander Robby Ray of the San Francisco Giants.

Each retired the first 12 men in order to start the game, leaving it scoreless through four innings.

Heliot Ramos hit his second home run of the season, one out into the fifth inning. Martinez had a streak of 30 innings without giving up a home run or a walk until Ramos’ blast. He walked Wilmer Flores following the home run but two force plays ended the inning right there.

Ray continued his dominance through the fifth inning. 

Martinez lost control of the game in the sixth inning. Tyler Fitzgerald opened the inning with a double just inside the third base bag into the left field corner. Martinez struck out Lamont Wade Jr and Willie Adames but Matt Chapman homered to put the Giants ahead 4-0. The inning ended when Ramos lined to Martinez who made a behind-the-back catch.

“I felt good the whole day,” Marinez said. “I made some good pitches, even in that last inning. I didn’t execute my pitches to Chapman and he capitalized.”

Gavin Lux singled up the middle to open the sixth, breaking Ray’s spell. After a spectacular play by Chapman at third to stump Blake Dunn’s bid for a double. Backup catcher Austin Wynns blasted a pitch into the left field stands. It was Wynns’ 14th career home run and his first since July 8. 2023 while playing for the Colorado Rockies at San Francisco off Ryan Walker. 

“You look back at that inning. It was a game changer in the field and he did it at the plate,” Francona said of Matt Chapman. 

Matt McLain, mighty mouse, blasted his second home run in two days to cut the lead to 4-3. Santiago Espinal walked after a pitch clock violation. The crowd taunted Ray by counting down the pitch clock. Giants’ manager, Bob Melvin, brought in his other left hander, Erik Miller, who got Christian Encarnacion-Strand to hit into an inning ending double play.

Ian Gibaut replaced Martinez to start the seventh. Gibaut redeemed himself from his opening day meltdown with a perfect inning.

Lou Travino entered in the seventh for the Giants.

Taylor Rogers started the eighth for the Reds. A throwing error by De La Cruz allowed Fitzgerald to reach base. Wade Jr. bunted Fitzgerald to second, who took off to steal third. Wynns threw him out according to third base umpire Cory Blaser but the Giants challenged and got the call reversed.

“It’s hard to imagine that (overturn) was clear and convincing but……..” Francona said.

Adames hit a sacrifice fly to center. Jung Hoo Lee got on with an infield hit. Scott Barlow relieved Rogers. Chapman walked and Ramos singled in a run. 

A mental error on the basepaths cost the Reds a good chance to catch up. 

Dunn singled to open the eighth inning. Pinch hitter Jacob Hurtibise walked. McLain, trying to protect the plate with two strikes, hit a slow roller short of the mound. The runners moved to second and third with one out. Espinal hit a ground ball to Chapman at third. Hurtubise instead of holding on a ball to that side ran into an out and Chapman threw Espinal out after the tag.

“We have human beings. We aren’t going to scream at them,” Francona said. “When there is a baserunning mistake, we address it; talk to them and tell them why. So we try not to do it again.”

Trainers Room:

Spencer Steer was in the lineup as a designated hitter against the Giants but will not play in the field until he successfully completes his throwing program.

“My shoulder is getting better,” Steer said. “It’s more dialing in my mechanics. My mechanics kind of went out the window when I was trying to play through it last year. There were a lot of compensating patterns in the way I threw. It almost feels like we’re starting from scratch.”

Andrew Abbott pitched five innings in Arizona on March 27 in a minor league game. He got up to 74 pitches in his outing.

Carson Spiers was also scheduled to pitch in advance of his first start on April 1 against the Texas Rangers.

According to manager Terry Francona, Rhett Lowder and Wade Miley are progressing through their throwing program.

“Lowder is doing good. He’s (throwing) off the mound.” Francona said. “Miley is going to throw two innings to live 

hitters, I think tomorrow (March 30).” 

Tyler Stephenson had a cat scan on Wednesday (March 26). He will have an MRI on April 7 and will not go on the road trip to Milwaukee and San Francisco. 

“We’re trying to make sure before we give him more to do,” Francona. “He’s made a vast improvement.”

Nick Lodolo Throttles Giants Reds Defense Shines

 

Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Nick Lodolo pitched six strong innings to throttle the San Francisco Giants in a 3-2 win. It was the first win for Terry Francona as the Reds' manager.

The Reds infield turned three double plays to allow Lodolo to walk off with the victory, his first since August 6th of last season.

Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand belted home runs to provide the offensive punch.

Wilmer Flores hit his second home run in as many days, this time off Lodolo with one out and the bases empty in the second inning. 

“He (Lodolo) made some pretty good pitches. The home run Flores hit wasn’t a bad pitch,” Francona said. “We played pretty good defense. The double plays helped with the efficiency. He got aggressive in the zone. The last three innings.”

The Giants scored again in the third inning. Heliot Ramos doubled into the left field corner to open the inning and scored on a single by Jung Hoo Lee.

“My command was nowhere to be found in the first three innings,” Lodolo said. “I got my legs under me as the game kept going. It’s not the typical way, I’d want to pitch. I wanted to get out any way I could.”

McLain reached future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander with the Reds’ first home run of the season. It was McLain’s 17th career home run and first since August 26th 2023. It was the 356th home run that Verlander allowed in his 20-year career.

He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s a great pitcher so it’s a good feeling,” McLain said.

The Reds tied the game with two outs in the fifth. McLain doubled and Elly De La Cruz drilled a line drive through the right side of the infield to score McLain. 

Lodolo retired nine batters in a row, thanks to a diving stop by McLain. Matt Chapman broke the streak with a single to right. De La Cruz and McLain pulled off a nifty double play to end the sixth.

“That ball was almost to third base. He (De La Cruz) made a sick play. The feed was good so I had to turn it,” McLain said.

“I think Elly is thrilled that McLain is back,” Francona said. “They are strong up the middle. It’s fun to watch.”

Encarnacion-Strand belted his first home run of the season down the right field line against Spencer Bivens to give the Reds a lead. 

Lodolo pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out one.

Tony Santillan and Graham Armstrong turned in two scoreless innings both aided by a double play, the Reds’ third in as many innings.

Emilio Pagan came in to try to nail it down for the Reds first win of the season. He earned his first save since September 10, 2024 at St. Louis.

“When we play defense the way we did the first two games, I like our chances,” Pagan said. 

Pagan presented the ball to Francona after the game.

“(Jose) Trevino actually told me after I got the ball from McLain, ‘ I think you should give it to Tito. It made sense,” Pagan said. 

“It has meaning. I will put it in my office,” Francona said. 

Trainers Room:

Andrew Abbott pitched five innings in Arizona on March 27 in a minor league game. He got up to 74 pitches in his outing.

Carson Spiers was also scheduled to pitch in advance of his first start on April 1 against the Texas Rangers.

According to manager Terry Francona, Rhett Lowder and Wade Miley are progressing through their throwing program.

“Lowder is doing good. He’s (throwing) off the mound.” Francona said. “Miley is going to throw two innings to live 

hitters, I think tomorrow (March 30).” 

Tyler Stephenson had a cat scan on Wednesday (March 26). He will have an MRI on April 7 and will not go on the road trip to Milwaukee and San Francisco. 

“We’re trying to make sure before we give him more to do,” Francona. “He’s made a vast improvement.”

Reds Lose To Giants Late Greene Dominated Gibaut Had Tough Outing

 

Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Wilmer Flores hit a three-run home run to propel the San Francisco Giants to a 6-4 win over the Reds. The home run off Ian Gibaut, who was filling in for the injured, Alexis Diaz.

“He (Gibaut) had some deep counts and the breaking ball caught a little too much of the plate. Gibaut pitched because of how we got there (to the ninth). We used Pagan early. That was our other thought. I thought our bullpen up to that point did a really, really good job,” Francona said.

Reds’ starter Hunter Greene struck out eight Giants hitters.

While Giants’ hitters were whiffing the Reds built a 3-0. In the first inning, Giants’ starter Logan Webb struck out the first two hitters but Elly De La Cruz walked. Gavin Lux in his first Reds’ at bat, also walked, Jeimer Candelario singled to score De La Cruz.

In the third inning, TJ Friedl singled to open the inning. Matt McLain flew out to the center field wall, caught by Jung Hoo Lee. De La Cruz singled to left. Lux hit a ground ball up the middle. Willy Adames fielded it. De La Cruz beat him to second base and Adames' off-balance throw to first was too late to get Lux. Candelario singled to right to drive home two more runs and a 3-0 lead.

Greene walked Lee with one out. Heliot Ramos fouled off five 3-2 pitches before reaching the right field stands for a two-run home run to make it 3-2.

“I didn’t have my secondary pitches so I was trying to pitch. Some games you don’t have your best stuff. I knew in the bullpen, I didn’t have my secondary pitches,” Greene said. “It was a duel. I didn’t have my secondaries. Maybe it would have been better if I just walked him.”

The at bat was more costly than the home run. 

“That long at bat against Hunter cost him the sixth inning,” Francona said.

Scott Barlow relieved Greene in the sixth. Greene finished with five innings, allowing two runs on just three hits and a walk. He struck out eight. Emilio Pagan and Tony Santillan along with Barlow pitched three scoreless innings.

Gibaut struck out Adames to start the inning. Lee walked for the second time in the game. Matt Chapman singled to right, sending Lee to third. Gibaut struck out Ramos but Patrick Bailey shot a ground ball past the diving McLain to tie the score and set up Ramos home run.

“The pitch was right down the middle. I just have to execute better,” Gibaut said. “I told Tracy (bullpen coach Matt) that I wanted it. I didn’t know before the game (pitch the ninth) It’s kind of how it panned out.”

Greene has words of encouragement for Gibaut, who earned a spot in the bullpen as a non-roster player starting spring.

“Ian’s a dawg. That’s what I told him,” Greene said. “I know people might not want to hear that but the last couple years, he’s been in some tight situations. He’s made it look easy. This game is difficult. He’s one of our best pitchers.”

“I could have easily not have done it (talk to Gibaut). I could have been selfish and stayed in my locker but that’s not who I am. It’s not my character. I wanted him to know. I support him. The rest of the team feels that way about him too. I have a great relationship with Ian and it goes beyond baseball. I know how hard he works. I know he wants to represent the city. Sometimes it comes down to one pitch. I know our pitchers are good but the hitters are good too and they work just as hard as we do.”

The opening day loss was painful to the Reds but Francona trusts his players.

“Losing late is hard,” Francona said. “It’s no fun losing any way. If that’s too much for us, I’ve got the wrong read on our guys.”

Reds 2025 Season Preview

 

 

 

Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 26 Opening Day Eve

Let’s start with the injured list on Opening Day.

Tyler Stephenson was getting a scan the night before the season started. If the results are good, he can start baseball activities.

Austin Hays has a calf strain. He doesn’t know when it happened and hoped rest would cure it but it didn’t on the flight back. The Reds will put him on the injured list.

“It is a very low grade strain,” said Francona after Hays went through a scan. “There’s a chance he only misses six days but when we know, we’ll do it. He tried to play through it last spring. We want to nip it in the bud.

That means that Spencer Steer, who is improving with his shoulder throwing, will not go on the injured list. The Reds were trying to find him at bats and decided that the designated hitter role early would achieve that.

Andrew Abbott is on the injured list but could pitch right now. His last two Cactus League starts were pretty good. He just needs to build innings.

Alexis Diaz is on the injured list with a strained hamstring. He is also working on his mechanics that got out of whack.

Unlike 2024 when the team lost Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, these injuries are weeks not months from being healed.

First base: 

It will be a cast of characters initially. Christian Encarnacion-Strand got the bulk of reps this spring and hit .280 with three doubles, a triple and three home runs this spring. Jeimer Candelario will play there too.

Second base 

Matt McLain is locked in. This spring he showed no rust from missing 2024. He played in the Arizona Fall League to get at bats. He and Elly De La Cruz turned more double plays this spring, a statistic that was lacking last season. That will help pitchers tremendously during the season. It will allow starters to go deeper in games and save wear and tear on the bullpen. McLain was hot in early spring but tapered off near the end with a .255 average but he hit six doubles and a home run.

Shortstop:

It has become almost cliche but Elly De La Cruz was his exciting self this spring. He made spectacular plays but his feeds on the double play were more consistent. He made more of the routine plays as his concentration improved on defense. On offense, he was spectacular this spring. He hit .409 with four doubles and four home runs, from both sides of the plate. He stole six bases, including two on one pitch. “You can come to the park every day and see something you’ve never seen before, " said Francona in his 46th year in baseball.

 Francona stressed that players don’t just run because it’s in their toolbox. The veteran manager wants every action on the field to be geared to a win.

Third base:

Jeimer Candelario has the most experience at the hot corner. He will start there but play first and be the designated hitter. Gavin Lux was successfully introduced to the position. He performed adequately. Santiago Espinal will also play there. He had a good spring with professional at bats.

Catcher:

With Stephenson out, a platinum glove catcher in Jose Trevino will fill in until the younger Stephenson is ready. Trevino made such an impact on the Reds’ pitchers this spring that the Reds extended his contract to 2027 with a team option for 2028. If he hits nothing, the Reds will benefit from the runs he saves. Yet he had success at the plate with the New York Yankees, especially in the 2022 season in which he was an All-Star. He hit .248 in 115 games with 12 doubles, a triple and 11 home runs, while driving in 43. Trevino has postseason experience and is a great communicator. He can work wonders for bringing a winning tradition to Cincinnati. 

Austin Wynns will back up Trevino until Stephenson is ready. He played that role last season and knows the Reds’ pitchers.

Outfield:

The projected starting outfield of Austin Hays in left, TJ Friedl in center and Jake Fraley in right, hit a snag when Hays calf acted up. When Hays gets back, the Reds who are “thrilled to have him,” as Francona said. Hays drove in 14 runs over 16 games this spring. He hit .310 with two doubles, three triples and three home runs. He will provide punch in the middle of the order. 

Friedl also missed considerable time last season with a spring training injury. He looked healthy this spring hitting .271 with two doubles. He bunted for a couple hits and got on base at a .332 pace above the league average of .312 last season. 

Fraley heated up at the end of spring. He is another guy who needs to stay healthy. He is nearly 100 points better against right handed pitching. 

The two spare outfielders are Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn. The Reds designated Stuart Fairchild for assignment. Dunn knocked the door down this spring. “Blake Dunn kindof forced his way on the team,” Francona said. “That’s what you want. We don’t want to turn him into a platoon player. We have to be a little creative so that he does play.” Dunn hit .340 this spring with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and eight RBI. 

Hurtubise can do a lot of positive things on the field. He uses the whole field and makes contact. He has speed that is way above average and can play all three outfield positions. He hit .289 in 23 games this spring with three doubles, two triples and five stolen bases. 

Starting Pitchers:

Hunter Greene had his best season in 2024. “You might think I got complacent but I worked harder this offseason than I ever had before, " Greene said. “I averaged seven innings last season and my body is recovering better than it ever has.” He will open the season on the mound. “I did it two years ago. I have a bad taste in my mouth,” said Greene, who did not get a decision in the 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh.

Nick Lodolo pitched well in spring and is excited to come into the season, feeling healthier than he has the last two years. “I feel really good and I’m excited to get started,” Lodolo said.

Nick Martinez decided to resign with the Reds. Martinez excelled in the long relief role last season but became one of the team's most reliable starters by the end of the season. He made 11 starts from August 5 thru the rest of the season. He was 5-2 with a 2.42 ERA.

Brady Singer pitched 179 2/3 innings for the Kansas City Royals last season. The Reds sent his University of Florida teammate, Jonathan India to obtain his arm. This spring, Singer pitched 17 ⅔ innings allowing five earned runs for a 2.55 ERA.

Carson Spiers won the job from Abbott and Graham Ashcraft. He made an opening day roster for the first time in his career. He walked on in college at Clemson and was not drafted by a Major League team. “I’ve had to earn everything,” said Spiers, who pitched 14 innings this spring, allowing four runs for a 2.57 ERA.

Bullpen:

With Alexis Diaz on the IL the question is who will close games. “I don’t think we necessarily need to name a closer,” Francona said. “I told the guys we’d figure it out and do the best we can”. It will not be Tony Santillan. “I think he is more valuable getting to the ninth,” Francona said. “I think giving him a clean inning is the best for us.”

Along with Tony Santillan, Ian Gibaut, who made the team as a non-roster invitee, Scott Barlow, who signed as a free agent Graham, who was converted from a starter to work multiple innings out of the pen, and Emilio Pagan will come on as right handers. Barlow has experience closing games.

The Reds have three left handers. Sam Moll, who was effective last season. Brent Suter can also pitch multiple innings and Taylor Rogers. Rogers also has experience closing games.

General:

If the Reds can stay healthy and each man makes just incremental improvements, with Francona’s guidance the team can make some noise this season. They will for sure be exciting to watch.

Reds Return Home On A Positive Note Nick Lodolo Excited To Start The Seasson

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 23

March 23 

The Reds’ 16th spring in Goodyear, Arizona concluded with one decision left to complete the roster.

Catcher Will Banfield, who had a decent spring at the plate, was reassigned to minor league camp. He only had three hits but they were two home runs and a triple. The 25-year old, who signed with the Reds on November 22. He was drafted by the Miami Marlins with their second pick in the 2018 draft. He hit 23 home runs with Pensacola in 2023.

Veteran Wade Miley, who is working through rehab, was also reassigned to minor league camp.

Nick Lodolo started the game against the Guardians.

He is scheduled to pitch the second game against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday.

Lodolo pitched six innings, allowing one run on three hits. He walked none and struck out seven. Ralphy Velasquez homered for the lone run.

Lodolo had two injury riddled seasons in a row. Now he’s excited to go to Cincinnati pain free.

“I’m really excited. It’s been a good camp for the team and myself as well,” Lodolo said. “I’m ready to get the show on the road. I feel great. It’s the best spot I’ve been in going into opening day for a while.”

Lodolo pitched in a minor league game between his Cactus League start on March 13 and his March 23 start.

“We wanted him to pitch in a major league game because last time he pitched in a minor league game and he dominated. He pitched really well again. I don’t care what field you're in. That’s fun to watch.”

The Reds scored seven runs in the third inning to beat the Guardians, 13-2. The Reds had 11 hits and took advantage of three Cleveland throwing errors.

“It was a good day to leave here. The guys left feeling good about themselves. That’s what you’re shooting for,” Francona said. “We’ve asked a ton of these guys. Because of so much newness, on my part. They worked their ass off. They do it every day. We ask them to try to do something and they do it. The cooperation has been off the charts. Our staff have welcomed the new coaches. We meshed well together. It was a great camp.”

Hitting:

Elly De La Cruz was 2-for-2 with a double, a walk and two RBI. He left Goodyear hitting .409.  TJ Friedl had a bunt single and went to Cincinnati with a .279 average. Austin Hays crushed a two-run double. He comes home with a .310 average. Gavin Lux stroked his second home run of the spring. His average rests as an even .300. Jeimer Candelarion raised his average to .263 on a 2-for-3 day. Christian Encarnacion-Strand had a hit to post a .280 spring average.

Alexis Diaz Will Start The Season On The Injured List Closer To Be Determined

 

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 23

Alexis Diaz hurt his left hamstring in one of the first drills of spring training camp.

The Reds held him out for awhile but he didn’t pitch in Cactus League games well enough to not be a concern to the Reds. He was scheduled to pitch in the final game before leaving Goodyear but was scratched.

Ian Gibaut had a great camp and made the team as a non-roster player. Graham Ashcraft also got word that he was in.

“We scratched him and we visited with him, me DJ, Franky (Mulloy, manager, biomechanics), Simone (Bannaccorso, strength and conditioning Daytona). What happened was he had the hamstring issue earlier. His lead leg is not where it needs to be. He’s got some moving parts,” Reds’ manager Terry Francona said. “There’s multiple concerns. We’re sending him out there. He’s either going to get hurt or pitch the way he needs to. It’s just not fair. We’re going to give him a chance to get right.”

The Reds have three outfielders for two slots. The Reds have until the morning of March 27 to determine which among Stuart Fairchild, Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn will be the odd man out.

Francona has not had much time to determine a closer. That is also a decision which is forthcoming.

“I haven’t given it a ton of thought, yet,” Francona said. “Once we get on that plane, we’ll kind of….I don’t think it’s necessary that we name a closer. We want Diaz to be that guy. With that there is responsibility and when I say that, I don’t mean, he’s not living up because he came in here in great shape. We have to be fair to him because that role carries a lot of responsibility. We talked to the bullpen and told them, "We'll get there the best way we can.”

“This is year 46 for me, it (spring training) never changes, you worry,” Francona said. “Then when the bell rings, the game is different. You’re pitching to a scouting report. It is different.”

Spring training results are different for players for a variety of reasons. 

“I don’t care if we’re playing a game in December. I want to see our guys do well,” Francona said. “But saying that, it is a real season for some guys and for some guys it isn’t. There are guys trying to establish their fastball, throwing it when they shouldn’t. We explained that to the guys at the very first meeting. That’s why you see some guys, who played winter ball the whole winter. They are way ahead of guys. Or you have some guy that has a great spring but it doesn’t match up with a role. Then the guy makes the team and you have a shitty role for him and you have to send him back after a month.”

Roster Coming Into Focus Outfield Is The Best Of Two Out Of Three

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 22

One day left in Goodyear, Arizona.  The roster doesn't have to be finalized by opening day but the picture is coming into focus. 

Tyler Stephenson is also starting on the IL. 

He was examined by team Dr. Andrew Razzano.

“He will start rotational movements. On Wednesday (March 26), he will get rescanned.  If that comes back clean, we can start to do some other things,” Francona said.

The Reds are trying to find ways to get Santiago Espinal in the lineup.  Espinal played shortstop, second base and third base which are natural positions for him. The last week of camp, he played both left field and right field.

"We have to find ways to work him into games,” Francona said. “I think he’s a good player and his ability to go to the outfield will only enhance that. He’s just a baseball player. He’s comfortable.”

“Pretty much every good team has something that they feel that way about. It’s not that he can go play anywhere in a game but if someone gets hurt he can play there for two weeks and not skip a beat. That’s really important,” Francona said. “He gives you very professional at bats. He uses the whole field. He is a little bit of a throwback. There is not a lot of swing and miss.”

Stuart Fairchild, Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn are battling for two open outfield spots. On March 22, Fairchild was 0-for-3 (,135), Hurtubise 1-for-3 (,306) and Dunn was 2-for-3 (,348). Dunn had a bunt single to load the bases in the seventh inning.

“We actually told them, they’re not having a hit off,” Francona said. “We know we need to make a decision but ... .I think Blake Dunn has really done a good job for a young kid of playing the game. Seeing the field, I know he lost the ball in the sun. That’s going to happen out here. He moved a runner the other day. He got a bunt down today. Just some really good things.”

“Hurtubise gives you everything he can,” Francona said. “Fairchild, we got him here to hit lefties. You can’t really match that up all the time in spring training. 

The Reds lost the game 1-0 when Manny Machado hit an opposite field home run against Carson Spiers in the seventh inning.

Andrew Abbott, who will start the year on the IL, pitched four scoreless innings, allowing one hit, no walks and he struck out three. Spiers, who is scheduled to pitch game five on April 1 against the Texas Rangers, pitched four innings. He was charged with four hits but two of them happened when Dunn lost a fly ball to center off Martin Maldonado, leading off the sixth. He pitched out of the jam. Minor league shortstop Carlos Sanchez lost an infield fly in the ninth inning that was ruled a hit. Spiers pitched out of that mess too.

“I thought all the pitchers in this game were good,” Francona said. “Their guy did it a bit differently but our guys were just as effective. It was fun to watch.”

Austin Wynns, the Reds backup catcher to Tyler Stephenson was hit in the chin by a foul tip. Francona and the trainer came out but Wynns waived them off.

"That's nine times I've been hit in the head," said Wynns as he ran off the catch the bus after the game.

Spencer Steer To Start The Season On The Injured List

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

 Terry Francona had a long talk with Spencer Steer and Reds’ RBI leader from last season will start on the injured list.

His shoulder is improving but not enough to be cleared to play at the start of the season.

“I talked to him for a while,” Francona said. “He’s going to start on the IL. He is going to go with us to Cincinnati. I give him so much credit. He busted his ass. He’s such a good kid. He listens and gives you good opinions. We’re going to let our trainers work with him. We think we can furnish some at bats either with the traject machine or we’ve even talked about bringing in a minor league pitcher for a day. We’ll figure out some at bats for him before we send him to play.”

The Reds want him to progress without taking any steps backwards.

 “I told him and he understands, being a full time DH probably isn’t the best for him or our team. I understand coming back. We have to massage this a little bit and have him play a position it will really help,” Francona said.

His throwing program is still being followed.

“It is better each day,” Francona said. “It’s still early on but he is improving. He has to retrain some things though that, not through his fault, when you try to make do for so long, now he’s trying to retrain it. Sean (head trainer McQueeney) thinks once he does, then he’ll take off.”

Reds Defeat Mariners Lose To White Sox. Brady Singer And Hunter Greene Are Ready To Start The Season

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Reds beat the Seattle Mariners 5-3 and lost to theChicago White Sox in Goodyear, 8-5.

For the fourth time within the eight days, Reds back end pitchers gave up big innings when the Reds held the lead.

The good news is that Brady Singer is ready to pitch during the season. He pitched 5 ⅓ innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks. He threw 90 pitches.

“It felt good. I was able to get up to 90 pitches. That’s right where we want to be,” Singer said. “I was able to go out there in the sixth. We had a couple of good defensive plays.”

Alexis Diaz pitched one inning. He allowed one hit in a scoreless inning. There is concern that Diaz may be behind. He will get one more outing before the team flies to Cincinnati.

“I feel really good,” Diaz said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. “This was better than the last two outings, especially the one in the minor league camp. I’ve had a lot of conversations with DJ. They have put me back into my mental state of health. Coming into my last outings, I’ve never thrown as hard in spring training as I am now.”

Diaz is not concentrating on his closer role.

“This team feels like my home. They’ve had a couple of conversations with me to start the season. I’ve always been the person that I’m going to go out there whatever inning they put me in. I’m not thinking about the closer role. I’m doing the best of my ability to help the team win that day,” Diaz said.

“I thought Diaz had a ton of life (on his pitches). It was kind of an odd start. The pitch com didn’t work. He asked for another pitch and the umpire told him it would be a ball. He didn’t understand that,” Francona said. “He threw more balls than strikes. Saying that his ball had a ton of life to it. That part was good.”

Hunter Greene pitched five innings against the Mariners, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out seven and surrendered a home run to Victor Robles. Greene threw 84 pitches.

Hitting:

Matt McLean doubled against the Mariners. Gavin Lux hit his first home run of the spring.

Austin Hays hit a two-run home run, his third of the spring against the White Sox and was 2-for-2. Blake Dunn (.326) and Santiago Espinal (.256) hit infield singles. Jeimer Candelario hit an RBI single.

Jose Trevino Signs A Contract Extension Joe La Sorsa Reassigned Spencer Steer Questionable For Opener

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Reds new manager, Terry Francona, expects tough decisions at the end of spring training camp. Six days before final decisions must be made an easy decision was reached.

Jose Trevino came to Cincinnati in a trade for Fernando Cruz on December 20. In three months to the day, he will break camp as the number one catcher with a lower back strain suffered by starter, Tyler Stephenson. 

He will also break camp with a two-year contract extension, reportedly worth $11.5 million. It includes a team option for 2028 with a $1 million buyout.

Just that quickly, Trevino became a favorite among his peers. In the press conference to formally announce the signing, all of his new teammates showed up.

Trevino is starting his eighth Major League season on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants, bringing a career .236 average with 52 doubles, a triple, 32 home runs and 141 RBI.

He was a platinum glove winner in 2022 and an American League All-Star with the New York Yankees.

The Reds struggled to find a backup for Stephenson this winter before obtaining Trevino. The 32-year old from Corpus Christie, Texas quickly proved his worth to the storied franchise.

Francona related a story of Trevino counseling a young Reds’ catching prospect, Alfredo Duno, on the Reds caravan before spring training.

“He is what we thought he was,” Francona said. “He’s as advertised. The people I’ve checked with, the clubbies, they see everything. That is the case. He’s a solid guy. There’s a reason we haven’t even started the season yet and he signed an extension. People feel pretty strongly about him. We had a little fun with it yesterday at our meeting, the guys started yelling, ‘speech, speech’. He actually said something and it was pretty cool.”

“He cares about the right things. He’s got a good way about him. There is some intensity at times which is good,” Francona continued.

“I want to thank the ownership for allowing us to sign, Trevvy to a multi-year deal,” President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall said. “His agent, Brian Grieper, worked with Rob Coughlin to get it done. It’s been a lot of fun having him here this spring. We really think he’ll be an integral part of this team for the next several years.”

Trevino acknowledged his teammates right away.

“I want to thank all of my teammates, who came out today,” Trevino said. “I want to thank my wife, my agent. I appreciate you all coming out. This means a lot to me. I know we’ve only known each other for a little bit but I’m hoping to make an impact on you all, like I never have before. It’s not about me, like I’m here answering these questions about all of us. I’m Hoping to reach every one of you all.”

The Reds talked about the contract at the time of the trade.

“When we made the trade, I reached out to Brian and talked about maybe doing something,” Krall said. “We talked about it through the arbitration process.”

“It is really important to have two guys (catchers) here to handle the workload,” Krall said.

For his part, Trevino was seduced by the raw talent of the Reds.

“The talent, you look around the team, you have electric guys, you have Elly (De La Cruz) , you have (Matt) McLain, then you look at the pitching staff. It’s young and you look at the guys in the minor leagues. It is very exciting to be about the future. Also, I feel like we have a great team now. It’s time to win.”

“I know a little bit about Cincinnati. I’ve heard about opening day. Me and my wife were in the caravan,” Trevino said. “They were telling us how excited they were for the season. They told me the Bengals were good but when the Reds are going, it’s a fun city. I’m excited. That was a big part of it.”

Joe La Sorsa was reassigned to the minor league camp. La Sorsa the lefty, who is a St. John’s University graduate, to minor league camp.

The 26-year old pitched six scoreless innings, allowing four hits.

“He had a great camp and we told him that,” Francona said. “It wasn’t an indictment on his pitching. He pitched his ass off. We told these kids, It’s not always on your time table. We respect that but he was good.”

The Reds have three other left handers on the roster, Sam Moll, Brent Suter and Taylor Rogers. Rogers has closing experience.

The Reds are nearing a decision on Spencer Steer. The 27-year old has been hampered by a shoulder problem that started last season. He has been hitting in minor league games, he hasn’t appeared in a Cactus League game since March 1. 

“He was a little tired,” said Francona off Steer’s minor league game. “I think fatigued is the right word. It’s to be expected. He’s doing everything in his power.”

Decision time is near for Steer.

“I need to spend some time with him,” Francona said. “Like today or tomorrow. I don’t want to spend time with him, when I don’t know the medical stuff. I don’t want to waste his time.”

Jose Trevino Signs Contract Extension With Reds

 

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 20

Jose Trevino signed a three-year contract extension with the Reds on March 20. The 2022 American League All-Star catcher and Gold Glove winner will be under contract with the Reds through 2027 with a team option for 2028.

A two-time nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award (2022 w/NYY, 2021 w/Tex),  Trevino has played in 11 Postseason games for the Yankees over the last 3 years, including 2 appearances in the 2024 World Series against Los Angeles. His 3.34 catcher's ERA since the start of the 2022 season is the lowest mark among all Major League backstops with at least 1500.0 innings caught during that span.

Trevino has been praised by manager Terry Francona, not only for his ability behind the plate but for his leadership of the young pitching staff. 

“Damn, he’s great,” Fancona said. “That’s pretty cool. God he wants to be here. He’s a keeper. As we found out this winter, those guys are hard to find.”

One of the young pitchers that Trevino helped this spring, Carson Spiers had praise for the catcher. 

“It might be the best thing for the Reds,” Spier said. “Just his knowledge. His awareness of what pitchers are trying to do is something special. It’s going to help our staff out tremendously. He’s one of the smartest guys I've worked with. With him a Stepho (Tyler Stepenson) when he gets back for a pitcher’s sake it’s the best thing to have. It is a good day for the Reds.”

Elly De La Cruz And Blake Dunn Homer In Loss To Kansas City

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 20

Elly De La Cruz hit his fourth home run of the spring in the first inning with Matt McLain on base, against the Kansas City Royals. De La Cruz hit three home runs in the first three games of spring. He’s reached base in every game but one.

The Reds offense built a 7-2 lead going into the eighth inning. Bryan Shaw allowed three runs and left the game with tightness in the back of his leg. John Murphy gave up six as the Royals won 11-8.

Graham Ashcraft was scheduled to start but manager Terry Francona elected to push him back to a relief role both in this game and during the season.

“I feel like my personality type will fit it pretty well. I’m excited for it,” Ashcraft said. “I’ll roll with the punches, get going and see what happens. I’ve been talking to the guys and getting some good info from guys who have been starters and transitioned to the bullpen or like (Nick) Martinez, who has been a starter and reliever. I have to figure out what works for me. I relieved three or four times in college. The adrenaline rush is awesome. I’m excited to experience that side of it.”

Ashcraft faced the minimum nine batters in his three hitless innings. He allowed a walk to Nick Lofton but coaxed a double play from Nelson Velazquez.

Brent Suter, Emilio Pagan, and Joe La Rosa pitched one scoreless inning each. Scott Barlow allowed two runs in his inning. He has allowed four runs in eight games, covering eight innings.

The Reds offense was heating up in this game.

De La Cruz was 2-for-3 with a walk to raise his spring average to .410. Austin Hays had two hits, including a run-scoring double. Jose Trevino, who signed a contract extension on March 20, drove in two runs with a single. Blake Dunn was 2-for-2 with a home run, his second of the spring. He is hitting .317. Jeimer Candelario singled home a run.

Reds Fifth Starter Named By Terry Francona Pitching Assignments Clear

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 20

One week before the Reds took on the San Francisco Giants on opening day, manager Terry Francona cleared part of the roster.

Carson Spiers, has at least temporarily, made the Reds rotation as the fifth starter and was chosen to start the fifth game of the season against the Texas Rangers on April 1.

On March 17, Spiers last outing in which he pitched five innings, allowing just a home run to Austin Hedges of Cleveland.

Francona said, “He’s put together a good camp,” Francona said before the game. After the game Francona added, “He’s filling up the strike zone. He changes speeds. He’s handled himself really well. I don’t know him as well as the rest of these guys do. He comes from good stock. I played with his uncle Billy. You can’t find a better guy.”

Spiers earned the spot in the rotation.

“It’s definitely cool. It is something you dream of as a kid to break spring training with a big league team,’ Spiers said. “It’s good to know hard work is paying off and giving me the opportunity. It’s my time to take the opportunity and run with it.” 

Spiers was not favored win the spot with such tough competition in camp.

“I’ve had to earn everything. From being a walkon in college to not being drafted here. It’s awesome for me and my family. Now is the time to take the opportunity and show what I can do.”

His family was the first to know after Francona told him he made the rotation.

"I had to call my wife. I couldn’t let the word get out before she knew. I called her. I called my parents. Now everybody is ready to make the trip to Cincinnati.”

Graham Ashcraft was informed that he will pitch out of the bullpen to start the year. He was scheduled to start the game on March 20 but pitched out of the bullpen instead. Brent Suter started.

“He is going to be pitching out of the bullpen,” Francona said.

“I feel like my personality type will fit it pretty well. I’m excited for it,” Ashcraft said. “I’ll roll with the punches, get going and see what happens. I’ve been talking to the guys and getting some good info from guys who have been starters and transitioned to the bullpen or like (Nick) Martinez, who has been a starter and reliever. I have to figure out what works for me. I relieved three or four times in college. The adrenaline rush is awesome. I’m excited to experience that side of it.”

Andrew Abbott will start the season on the injured list.

“Abbott will start the season on the IL, the reason being, if everything went perfect, he could have started game five. When you think about it he could start in a game out here (Goodyear) on opening day. He has to be on the IL roster, if we had a hiccup, we explained that to him.”

Abbott looked at the bright side.

“It gives me a chance to get a few more innings,” Abbott said. “I think I was ready but I’m not going to argue with it. I’m just going to do it and move on with it. There is no timetable. Maybe they’re waiting until I get to six up-downs. Everything is working. My arm’s feeling good.”

Lyon Richardson, was reassigned to minor league camp and optioned to Louisville.

“He had a really good camp,” Francona said. “He had life on his fastball. DJ (Derek Johnson) challenged him early to be aggressive. We told him when you get to within three or four days from when we break camp, we know it gets harder. It’s also a compliment he did so well. We told him to take it and run with it because there’s a lot to like.”

Richardson will work out of the bullpen.

Alexis Diaz pitched in a minor league game on the 18th.

“DJ thought it was a step in the right direction. We still have some work to do,” Francona said. “He will pitch again on the 22nd or 23rd. We want to make sure he's got his legs under him. We know what he can do. We want to make sure he's ready to do it.”

Nick Martinez And Reds Bullpen Shut Down The Angels

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 18

Nick Martinez was scheduled for five innings but pitched four scoreless frames and the bullpen of Sam Moll, Tony Santillan, Ian Gibaut and Lyon Richardson followed suit.

The Reds had just six hits but the pitching held strong to break the Reds’ seven-game losing streak with a 1-0 win.

Martinez finished with four innings pitched, allowing one hit. That hit off the bat of Nolan Schanuel was a pop up that Martinez, himself, lost in the sun and the Arizona high skies. He walked three and fanned six. 

“Nick Martinez was really good, now I thought they had some good at bats, a couple really good at bats against him, and worked his pitch count up early in the game,” Francona said.

Martinez has a 2.25 ERA in his five Cactus League games. He was rained out of one start but threw to hitters in the Goodyear development camp in the cage on March 7. He may get one start before facing the San Francisco Giants on March 30, possibly in Dayton on March 25.

Moll, who has struggled this spring, had a three up, three down inning with a strikeout.

“For their sake, It’s good to have a clean inning. It’s good for everybody,” Francona said.

Ian Gibaut pitched in his ninth game of the Cactus League. 

“That was good, man. He had that one outing where he had a little scuffle. He’s holding his stuff. He’s been pretty good,” Francona said.

Santillan pitched one inning. He walked Tim Anderson, but picked him off first. Then he retired the last two hitters he faced. For the spring, Santillan, who is secure in making the opening day roster, has allowed four runs in seven innings as of March 18.

Lyon Richardson pitched two innings, allowing two hits and striking out three. He allowed two runs in his first appearance on February 22 but has pitched eight scoreless innings since. 

The Reds scored their lone run in the third inning off Jose Soriano and muffed a chance for another.

Austin Wynns doubled down the right field line. Blake Dunn, hitting .282 doubled in the same spot. Wynns hesitated around third and was thrown out at the plate. Matt Mclean singled to score Dunn. 

One of the Reds’ Breakout players Ethan O’Donnell threw Kyren Parris out at home plate in the eighth to preserve the slim lead.

Hitting:

McLean (.276) and Gavin Lux (.265) had two hits. Elly De La Cruz (.389) was 0-for-3 and failed to reach base for the first time in his 15 games.

Spencer Steer Throwing Program Begins Will He Stay In Arizona Or Come To Cincinnati

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

As of March 18, Spencer Steer has taken his cortisone shot and worked "his ass off" to be ready for opening day in nine days.

Reds' management are not closing the door to his opening day roster spot but are afraid that his coming back too soon will lead to a setback.

Steer threw for the first time on March 18.

"I would say one, it's a little difficult, and he knows it, when you first pick up a ball, it doesn't feel that great anyway but there is a ton of improvement," Francona said. "In the hitting progression, he's going to get some at bats in a minor league game, Thursday (March 20). Timing doesn't always work in our favor."

Technically, the deadline is opening day but the Reds are seeing how Steer's progressions play out. They have to make that decision sooner rather than later. 

"He wants to be game ready yesterday, we reminded him, we have to do this right," Francona said. "He's a solid kid man. He's been the cutoff man (in drills). He picks up the balls (after drills). He just wants to be part of what we're doing." 

Wade Miley is pitching to live batters today (March 18).

"He wants to be game ready yesterday, we reminded him, we have to do this right," Francona said. "He's a solid kid man. He's been the cutoff man (in drills). He picks up the balls (after drills). He just wants to be part of what we're doing."  t enough of him. He makes me laugh. He watches the game.”

Francona spoke about how the game has changed and how baseball tends to faze low velocity throwers like Miley out of the game.

“Swing and miss is so valued now,” Francona explained. “I’ll tell you what when you look up in the seventh inning and he’s still pitching. He’s getting early weak contact. That’s pitching too.”

Andrew Abbott And Carson Spiers Make Their Case For The Starting Rotation

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 17

Finally, Andrew Abbott pitches in a Cactus League game.

The Cleveland Guardians was his opponent. The Guardians took the 3-0 decision.

Abbott was touched for two runs in the first inning. Carlos Santana hit a two-run double after an infield hit.

He retired eight of his last nine batters. His line three innings pitched, two runs on three hits and a walk. Abbott struck out two.

“I didn’t expect to be crisp,” Abbott said. “I just really wanted to come out and pound the zone. I wanted to make sure I was strong and healthy and check those boxes. I will try to move on to the next one.”

Will he break camp on the opening day roster?

“Personally, I always want to think that, it puts me in the right mindset. We don’t know yet. I haven’t been informed of anything concrete yet. I feel that I can get there. Today was a great step. I was able to get three up downs and throw 50 pitches.”

“It didn’t help in the first inning when the ball skipped by CES (Christian Encarnacion-Strand). Then he gave up the double to Santana. Other than that he was good. You can see he pitches. He doesn’t have to throw 95. He can add and subtract (pitch velocity). He’s just gotta get some reps.”

Carson Spiers, who is still competing with Abbott and Graham Aschcraft for the fifth starter in the rotation. 

He pitched three scoreless innings before Austin Hedges got to him with a home run.

His final line, five innings with Hedges long ball, his only hit for the only run allowed. Spiers walked two and struck out two.

“He’s put together a good camp,” Francona said before the game. After the game Francona added, “He’s filling up the strike zone. He changes speeds. He’s handled himself really well. I don’t know him as well as the rest of these guys do. He comes from good stock. I played with his uncle Billy. You can’t find a better guy.”

Reds’ hitting? Missing in action. 

Encarnacion-Strand hit a double down the left field line and that was it. As of tonight, he is hitting .289.

Cleveland managed four hits and the game was under two hours.

 

Alex Young Will Have His Left Elbow Examined In Cincinnati

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Reds reassigned Alex Young to the minor league camp on March 16.

The move was made more for medical issues than performance. 

"He's getting a second opinion but he's close to getting ready to get his elbow looked at," Francona said. "He's going to need something done at some point."