The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for Opening Day with some fresh faces making the roster. Manager Terry Francona has given the nod to pitchers Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, and Connor Phillips, along with outfielder Will Benson.
The Reds are exploring an intriguing pitching strategy with Burns, Lowder, and Williamson. Rather than a traditional six-man rotation, these three will be part of a dynamic tandem system.
Essentially, one pitcher might serve as a long reliever on days when another starts, allowing the team to manage their innings carefully. This approach is especially important given Lowder and Williamson’s limited action last season, and the Reds’ desire to gradually increase Burns’ workload after his stint at Wake Forest and subsequent minor and major league experience.
Connor Phillips, at 24, is set to return to the bullpen. Last season, he impressed with a 5-0 record and a 2.88 ERA over 25 innings, striking out 32 batters. Despite some spring training struggles, it’s all about fine-tuning his skills before the games count.
Outfielder Will Benson is looking to reignite his career after a couple of challenging seasons. Following a breakout in 2023, he’s had some ups and downs, but his spring performance shows promise with an impressive OPS of 1.157 and more walks than strikeouts.
As the Reds prepare for the season, these roster decisions highlight a blend of strategic innovation and player development that could set the tone for an exciting year.