As the Cincinnati Reds prepare to leave the warm fields of Arizona for the cooler climes of Milwaukee, the clock is ticking on their roster decisions. With two games against the Brewers to wrap up spring training, the Reds need to trim their roster from 34 healthy players down to 26 by Opening Day. Three players have already been informed they won’t make the cut but will remain in camp for now, leaving five players still in the mix for those final spots.
One player who won't be making the trip is right-hander Hagen Danner. After signing a minor league deal in January, Danner put together a solid spring.
Despite a rocky first outing where he allowed two runs, he settled down impressively, giving up just one run over his next eight appearances. His 3.12 ERA in the challenging Cactus League is a testament to his resilience, striking out nine over 7.2 innings and showing promise out of the bullpen.
With Danner out of the picture, the Reds have announced a unique approach for three of their pitchers: Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Brandon Williamson will share starting and relieving duties in a rotational setup early in the season. This leaves just one bullpen spot up for grabs.
The contenders for this coveted position are Zach Maxwell, Luis Mey, and Sam Moll. Moll, who is out of options, boasts a spotless 0.00 ERA over eight outings, with 10 strikeouts in 8.0 innings. However, his six walks indicate some control issues that could be a concern.
Maxwell, 25, has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Despite a 4.91 ERA over 7.1 innings, he’s managed 12 strikeouts. His early struggles with walks seem to be behind him, as he’s only issued two free passes in his last 6.2 innings.
Luis Mey’s spring has been a rollercoaster. With an ERA of 13.50, he’s had his share of challenges, particularly early on. However, his recent outings have been more promising, with no walks and just one unearned run across his last four appearances.
In the latest update, Kyle Nicolas, recently acquired from the Pirates, is set to be optioned to Triple-A. His participation in the World Baseball Classic with Team Italy has limited his spring appearances, but his early shutout performances with the Pirates hint at potential.
As the Reds finalize their roster, these bullpen battles highlight the depth and competition within the team. Each pitcher has shown moments that could earn them that final spot, making the decision all the more intriguing as Opening Day looms.