The Cincinnati Reds signed Alex Blandino to a minor-league deal in November. The 31-year-old hasn't played in the majors since 2021 and will be attempting a comeback as a pitcher this spring training, specifically as a knuckleballer. He hit .226 in 279 plate appearances over parts of three seasons with the Reds and suffered a torn ACL in July of 2018. In his three seasons with the Reds, he appeared at all four infield and both corner outfield spots. Blandino is expected to report to Double-A Chattanooga to begin the 2024 season. The former first-rounder (29th overall) in 2014 by the Reds pitched as a senior in college at Stanford and hit 90 mph with his fastball in a pitching appearance for the Reds in 2021. It's a cool story, but Blandino is unlikely to make a return to the big leagues as a pitcher as anything more than a mop-up option out of Cincy's bullpen.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Alex Blandino (hand) was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Friday. He was originally a resident of the 10-day version, and although nothing has changed regarding his condition, the move clears a spot for the returning Michael Lorenzen (shoulder). The 28-year-old has been out of commission for about a month now because of a broken hand. However, he hasn't done much, so fantasy managers should keep him off their roster.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Alex Blandino (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken hand on Saturday, according to C. Trent Rosencrans of The Athletic. Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer adds that manager David Bell described the injury as a clean break that will not require surgery. Bell also said that it's expected Blandino will miss three to six weeks with this injury. While this will be a blow to the Reds' depth in real life, in terms of fantasy value this won't affect managers too much, as Blandino is slashing .200/.317/.257 with one stolen base, five RBI and nine runs scored over 43 games.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Alex Blandino (knee) underwent reconstructive surgery on his ACL and MCL in his right knee on Monday and is expected to be out for six to eight months. Blandino was injured on a slide last Friday. He was more of a utility bench bat for the Reds and was batting only .234 with one home run, eight RBI and 14 runs in 128 at-bats for Cincy.
Alex Blandino
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Reds
