By Betsy Ross
With apologies to Jim Nance and The Masters, no one does MLB Opening Day quite like the Cincinnati Reds. From the unofficial holiday to the Findlay Market Parade to the opening pitch, there is not another regular season game in America that is met with this level of anticipation quite like Cincinnati’s. (Veteran fans will insist the Reds should be THE first game of the season, as they were for decades, but we digress)
As we get ready for this year’s edition of the Redlegs, there is little doubt about the commitment ownership has to this team. Spending more than $100 million in the off season, most of it on pitching, should show that the Reds are serious about making a run with this young group that not only surprised us, but entertained and delighted us last year. A season that started with a “you can’t tell the players without a scorecard” lineup turned into fan favorites that just fell short of making the postseason.
Having said all that—it seems as if the Reds can’t get out of Goodyear without a medic following them. The quiet of routine drills and spring games was ruined in the last couple of weeks with 1) projected center field starter TJ Friedl breaking his wrist; 2) anointed second baseman Matt McLain, out with a shoulder injury that may need surgery; 3) hot Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo, also out with a shoulder injury that, with surgery, will keep him out this season and 4) infield prospect Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for PED violations.
All of a sudden, a crowded infield roster isn’t so crowded anymore—enough so, that the Reds quickly dealt for the Blue Jays’ utility infielder Santiago Espinal to be available if needed. And yes, you can argue that players shouldn’t be diving for balls and diving back to the base in spring training. But telling players not to go all out would be like telling Pete Rose not to run to first base. Not going to happen.
As for pitching, Frankie Montas steps in as the Opening Day starter, with last year’s starter Hunter Greene, going on day 2. After that, Graham Ashcraft will be next after his solid year in 2023. But things won’t really be set on the rotation until Nick Lodolo comes back from injury—he’s not expected to be off the injured list until the second week of April. Look at Nick Martinez (rib injury) to be a factor in the starting rotation, along with Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (sore shoulder).
The Reds fought above their weight class last year and showed us the potential these young guns could have. With another year of experience under their belts, and a healthy starting pitching rotation, this could be a fun year to be a Reds fan. Play Ball!