Luis Castillo Leads Reds' Starting Rotation As It Comes Into Focus

 

 

The Reds starting rotation is set.......in jello.

Luis Castillo baring unexpected complications is scheduled to deal against the Cards of St, Louis on April 1

In the absence of David Bell, who is mourning the death of his brother, Derrick Johnson informed the members of the press over Zoom that Tyler Mahle will pitch on April 3, the second of the three-game set.

The next three in the rotation, Jeff Hoffman, Jose De Leon and Wade Miley will pitch with the order yet to be determined.

The fluidity in the rotation stems from Michael Lorenzen and Tejay Antone dealing with minor aches and pains.   Lorenzen is healing rapidly from discomfort in his shoulder.  Antone with a slight strain in his groin. 

"April 1 doesn't mean anything to me other than we start playing real games," Johnson said.  "We won't rush them back.  We want to win games in the beginning of the season for sure but we want to be healthy for the long season."

Reds' general manager Nick Krall has not decided whether the Injured List will be used yet but it could be back dated to make the time on it short.

Sonny Gray, the opening day starter last season, is working through back problems.  He threw a side on Friday and is scheduled for another on Wednesday in Cincinnati.

Two of the latter three could be in the rotation in early April.  The Reds are certain that Antone can fill several needs in the bullpen and will likely start the season there.

Sean Doolittle, Lucas Sims and Amir Garrett are seen as pitchers to close out games.

"David doesn't like the strict designation of "closer", " Johnson said.  "I think it is a smart way to look at it.  We will be guided more by match ups and availability."

Doolittle is experienced closing game.  He struggled to get batters out early but his later outings have been fine.  Sims and Garrett started behind the others.  They haven't been stretched out but they have shown that they are ready to pitch when things get real.

Garrett in particular has been impeccable.  He has struck out all nine batters he's faced in the Cactus League.

"That's sick," Johnson exclaimed.  "I don't think he will strike out every one during the season though."

The Reds plan to carry 13 pitchers on its 26-man roster to start the season.

LHP Josh Osich was reassigned to minor league camp this morning.  RHP Noe Ramirez was released.  LHP Jesse Biddle and LHP Brandon Finnegan were reassigned on March 25.

There are 18 pitchers left in camp, including Carson Fulmer, who was picked up on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Heath Hembree, who was signed to a minor league contract out of the Cleveland Indians camp.  RHP Cam Bedrosian is a non-roster player still in the mix and LHP Cionel Perez, who has been very impressive this spring, still has options remaining.  Sal Romano is out of options but he's been solid in his outings.