Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Roster, all you need to know

Following a flurry of significant transactions and injury reports, here’s our updated roster projection.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Spring Training, the third and fourth weeks have brought a whirlwind of news that’s shaken up our roster projections from top to bottom.

The latest blow comes with Noelvi Marte receiving an 80-game suspension for PEDs – a tough pill to swallow for the team.

Adding to the mix, Jose Barrero finds himself on waivers, leaving a significant gap in the outfield with TJ Friedl nursing a sprained wrist. Who will step up in center field for the Reds if Friedl, who’s now projected to start the season on the IL, is out for an extended period?

On the pitching front, Fernando Cruz‘s struggles have landed him in AAA Louisville for Opening Day, while injuries plague the lefties. With Alex Young sidelined and Sam Moll yet to make an appearance in Cactus League action, the Reds made a move to bolster their bullpen by signing Justin Wilson.

To compensate for Marte’s absence in the infield, Friedl’s injury in the outfield, and the cautious handling of Jonathan India’s defensive workload, Tony Kemp and Nick Martini have been added to the roster. Kemp brings versatility, having played both infield and outfield, including 42 games in center field, while Martini adds offensive depth.

The Reds face a dilemma regarding their rotation, debating whether to stick with a four-man rotation until Nick Lodolo’s debut on April 10th or opt for a deeper bullpen setup. For now, the fifth starter role is filled by Nick Martinez.

Amidst all the uncertainty, the fervent hope remains that TJ Friedl makes a swift and complete recovery, ensuring his spot on the Opening Day roster.