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.