The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for Opening Day with some intriguing roster decisions, as manager Terry Francona laid out the plan on Tuesday. The Reds are opting for a six-man starting pitcher setup, featuring Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson, who will join Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer. However, Francona clarified that this doesn’t mean a traditional six-man rotation.
Francona hinted at some strategic flexibility, saying, “You might see Williamson stepping in after Burns or starting a game with Lowder. We’re keeping our options open, and you’ll see them pitch across a couple of days.”
In the outfield, Will Benson has secured his spot, while reliever Connor Phillips is also on the roster. This leaves two bench spots up for grabs, with Nate Lowe, Dane Myers, JJ Bleday, and Rece Hinds all in the mix.
The bullpen competition is heating up as several pitchers vie for the final spot. With Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox on March 26, the Reds are fine-tuning their lineup, ready to make a splash as the season kicks off.