The Cincinnati Reds enter Friday with a 16-15 record and are three and a half games back from the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. They start a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at home today with a 6:10 game. The Reds sent two big league players on rehab assignments yesterday, which is a very encouraging sign for Manager David Bell. The team is within striking distance after one month of play, and with reinforcements on the way for the bullpen and lineup, it is primed to take off in May.
LHP – Ariel De La Cruz
The Reds have signed left-hand Pitching free agent Ariel De La Cruz to a minor league contract. The six-foot-two, 165-pound left-hander is 18 years old and was assigned to the Dominican Summer League Reds team. The 18-year-old left-hander will get his start with the Reds in the DSL league and, like the others below, will get their first taste of professional baseball this summer.
RHP – Carlos Meza
The Reds signed Carlos Mesa to a Minor league contract and have assigned him to the Dominican Summer League Reds team. The Six-foot-four, 204-pound, 20-year-old right-hander should be a name to monitor over the next few years. He has the size, and depending on how things go in the Dominican Summer League, he could be a name to watch as he develops his build.
C – Emdys Rosillo
The Reds have also signed free-agent Catcher Emdys Rosillo to a minor-league contract. He is a six-foot, 170-pound Left-handed bat and right-handed throwing-catching prospect. It has yet to be announced where he will be assigned, but one would guess he will start his professional career in the Dominican Summer League with the Reds team.
Wrap Up:
These moves might not have an immediate impact on the big league club, but they are moves for the team to grab young talent to fill out a roster for the Dominican Summer League, which allows the Reds as an organization to get a better feel for the potential of these young players. It will be interesting to see how these three perform this summer and if any make their way to Single-A Daytona this summer.
