The Cincinnati Reds wrap up Spring training games today against the Cleveland Guardians in Cactus League play. The will open the season Thursday March 28th when they host the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball park. The team has had a very interesting Spring leaving manager David Bell with some early season adversity to overcome.
Bad Breaks
The team had hopes of top prospect Noelvi Marte winning the starting third base spot. Unfortunately he was hit with an 80 game ban due to a banned substance suspension for performance enhancing substance. Leaving the club to plan to shift Jeimer Candelario from First to third, no big deal just opens the door for Christian Encarnacion Strand to start at First. That opened the door for regular at bats also for Jonathan India from the DH spot, so no harm not foul, this is why they have all the depth in the infield. Then mid march TJ Friedl fractured his wrist while diving for a flyball. This injury is going to hurt, but the team has Stuart Fairchild and Jake Fraley waiting in the wings. It appears Will Benson will swing over to Center and Jake Fraley will cover Right field. These two situation were disappointing enough ahead of the season, but then Matt McLain news broke regarding shoulder pain. He has had an MRI and it appears he might need surgery to repair his Labrum. He is seeking a second opinion, but he will at least miss the start of the season. Now Jonathan India slides back into the starting Second base slot and is projected below to be the teams leadoff hitter in Friedl’s absence. Below is the projected starting lineup against a righty to start the season. Nick Lodolo is staying behind to make at least one start in a minor league game before he can even be considered for a rotation spot as he recovers from a leg injury.
Projected Starting Rotation
The team have already announced that Frankie Montas will be the opening day starter against the Nationals this coming Thursday. Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft should be the next in line to pitch in the opening series. Free agent RHP Nick Martinez will mostly be the fourth start leaving Andrew Abbott as the fifth rotation spot to get the season started. The Reds have a favorable opening series opponent to get the starting rotation off to a good start, as the Nationals are a young team and are expected to end last in the National League East.
Summary
The Reds entered Spring Training with high hopes on the season. While they have some adversity to overcome early in the year, this team is deep and has plenty of talent to compete while missing key pieces to the roster. The rotation is the key piece to a hot start to the season. If Montas and Greene both can stay healthy and feed off one another this team could be headed to a season that sees them playing late into October.
