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Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico
Tony Santillan was one of the few pitchers that did not get hit hard by the Oakland A’s in a 13-1 conquering of the Reds on Friday afternoon.
Connor Phillips was another, who pitched two scoreless innings.
Phillps status is in doubt but Santillan’s is not.
In a pregame press meeting before the Reds’ Cactus League game against the San Diego Padres, Terry Francona said as much about the pitcher who is out of options and would have to be placed on waivers to send him down to the minor leagues.
Santillan is 6 '3 " and tips the scales at 285 pounds with a stare that can put chills up a Polar Bear’s spine. Yet, he is quiet and respectful in the clubhouse.
“I agree with everything you just said about him,” manager Terry Francona confirmed. “But when he’s on the mound, I think he would rip your heart out, which is fine with me.”
“He’s the gentle giant in the food room but you get him on the field he might hit you in the neck,” Francona said. “I heard DJ (pitching coach) Derek Johnson rave about him. What I’ve seen so far he can really help us.”
“He doesn’t have to worry about the options. He’s going to pitch for us,” Francona said.
“You kind of have to consider options,” Francona said. “If you ask any manager opening day they want their best 26, myself included. The general manager and the president, they’re more like the caretaker. They have to look at the macro, is that what it’s called, macro, micro view. You can’t just have your roster set for opening day. You gotta realize that if something happens and it’s gonna happen. You have to make some moves. If you pigeon hole yourself, you can really screw that up. It can make for some tough conversations with kids, you just have to be honest.”
Phillips had a nightmare regular season but rallied enough to pitch very well in the Arizona Fall League. He could very well be in one of those tough conversations on March 24 when the Reds break camp. The 23-year old is under Reds control until the end of the 2030 season, which makes it easier for the Reds to send him down and keep a pitcher with more seniority.
He put together two good outings this spring including against the Athletics, who were hitting everyone. There are plenty more pitching assignments for Phillips and making the Reds’ rotation would be serendipitous.
“He was good yesterday,” Francona said. “It was fun to watch. He threw 97. He threw more strikes than not. It was really good to see.”
The wild card for Phillips is not only the competition with Chase Petty, 21, who has allowed one hit and one walk in four scoreless innings.
The health of Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder are in the weeds.
Lowder is throwing on flat ground and progressing through his recovery from a sore elbow.
“We are really pleased with his progress,” Francona said. “He’s behind the others but not that far.”
Abbott was shut down last season with tightness in his left shoulder. He also had to battle the flu. He is farther behind but is throwing.
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