Cincinnati Reds News

Graham Ashcraft • SP • Reds

Graham Ashcraft Aiming To Be Reds' Closer

With his recent move to the bullpen, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft notes he's eyeing the team's closer role. "At the end of the day, if I'm in the bullpen, that's where I want to be," said Ashcraft. The 27-year-old had been considered one of the Reds' Big Three pitching prospects over recent years, though it hasn't really panned out for him in the rotation. A recent move to the bullpen could be a boon for the former sixth-round pick, and he pitched well last Thursday in that role, allowing no hits, a walk, and striking out two. Ashcraft may not begin the season pitching late in games, particularly with teammates Taylor Rogers, Emilio Pagan, and Scott Barlow offering potential ninth-inning options for manager Terry Francona. Still, if he can continue to pitch well when called upon, he may find his way there later.

2 days ago

Alexis Díaz • RP • Reds

Alexis Diaz To Start Season On Injured List

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is set to open the season on the injured list, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The 28-year-old reliever sustained a hamstring injury early in camp, and it appears he isn't entirely over it. It's possible the hamstring is to explain for how shaky he's been this spring -- owning a ghastly 13.50 ERA in 3.1 Cactus League innings. For now, one of Taylor Rogers, Emilio Pagan, Graham Ashcraft or Scott Barlow could pick up save chances in Diaz's stead. All three could be mixed and matched in high-leverage situations if manager Terry Francona opts to go in that direction. This bullpen situation will be one to monitor.

2 days ago

Spencer Steer • LF • Reds

Spencer Steer To Open Season On The Injured List

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer reports that Cincinnati Reds corner infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) will open the season on the injured list. While Steer's shoulder injury isn't considered serious -- he played in a minor-league game on Thursday -- the Reds are playing it safe and holding him out to open the 2025 regular season. The 27-year-old was initially shut down due to his ailing shoulder in late February, and he just hasn't had enough at-bats to be trusted in the starting lineup early on. However, barring a setback on a minor-league rehab assignment to start the year, Steer should definitely make his season debut in the big leagues by the end of April. With Steer opening on the IL, the biggest beneficiary to open the regular season is likely to be Austin Hays in left field.

3 days ago

Lyon Richardson • SP • Reds

Lyon Richardson Sent To Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds have optioned right-handed pitcher Lyon Richardson to Triple-A Louisville. Richardson held a solid 2.00 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP across nine innings of work in camp but will begin his campaign at the top level of the minor leagues. Last summer, Richardson logged just 2/3 of an inning in the major leagues. In 2023, Richardson made his MLB debut and held an 8.64 ERA with a 1.92 WHIP across 16 2/3 innings of work. Last season, Richardson spent most of his time at the Triple-A level and held a modest 4.67 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP across 98 1/3 innings. He tallied 93 punchouts but showed weak command of his pitches as he served up 59 free passes. With Richardson starting the season at Triple-A, Carson Spiers will open the campaign in the starting rotation. Richardson may find his way back to the majors this season, but he may have to shift to the bullpen.

4 days ago

Blake Dunn • LF • Reds

Blake Dunn Securing Fifth Outfield Spot For Reds

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Blake Dunn went 2-for-2 in Thursday's 11-8 Cactus League loss to the Royals, showcasing his speed by lacing a triple and his power by belting a home run, collecting two RBI in the process. It brings his spring batting average to .317 with two home runs and eight RBI in 41 at-bats. Dunn is currently projected to be the fifth outfielder for the Reds, who made his MLB debut last season. The right-handed hitter struggled to a .154 AVG (4-for-26) with 11 strikeouts (37.9 percent) during his limited action. Despite those results, the 26-year-old has shown he's got some pop in his bat, belting as many as 23 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2023 and stealing 54 bases that season. He hit seven home runs at Triple-A in 2024 and a 10.7 percent walk rate helped him get on base to steal 21 bags. Without a starting job, though, the 5-foot-10 slugger isn't an option for fantasy outside of deep NL-only leagues.

4 days ago

Carson Spiers • SP • Reds |

Andrew Abbott • SP • Reds

Andrew Abbott To Start On IL, Carson Spiers To Open As Fifth Starter

The Cincinnati Reds have told left-hander Andrew Abbott (shoulder) that he will begin the regular season on the injured list. As a result, right-hander Carson Spiers will serve as the team's fifth starter early on. Abbott's 2024 season came to an early end due to a left-shoulder injury, and he was still dealing with shoulder issues early in spring training, which put him behind the eight ball. The 25-year-old southpaw made his Cactus League debut earlier this week, but he simply ran out of time to get stretched out before Opening Day. If Abbott eventually can put his shoulder issues in the past for good, he should eventually return to their starting rotation in 2025. In the meantime, Spiers will be an option for NL-only fantasy managers after he posted a 5.46 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with 80 K's and 27 walks in 90 2/3 innings over 22 outings (10 starts) for Cincy in 2024.

5 days ago

Graham Ashcraft • SP • Reds

Graham Ashcraft Will Start Campaign In Relief Role

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft will open the 2025 campaign in the bullpen. Ashcraft was being stretched out as a starter during camp but fell short of making the opening-day rotation. Last season, Ashcraft made all of his appearances in the rotation and logged 77 1/3 innings with a 5.24 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He tallied just 57 punchouts and held a modest 7.7 percent walk rate. In addition, Ashcraft generated a high 5.18 xERA with a .278 xBA, which placed him in the seventh and sixth percentile, respectively. However, he did generate an elite 49.2 percent ground-ball rate, which was well above the average mark. Fantasy managers should expect the 27-year-old to likely operate as a long-relief option, limiting his fantasy upside.

5 days ago

Jose Trevino • C • Reds

Jose Trevino Signs Extension With Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Reds have signed catcher Jose Trevino to an extension. His contract is now worth up to $15 million and will be three years in length. During the offseason, the Reds acquired Trevino from the New York Yankees in exchange for relief pitcher Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson. Last season in New York, Trevino posted a .215/.288/.354 slash line with eight home runs and one stolen base across 74 contests. He generated a modest .267 xwOBA but was an excellent defender, placing him in the 95th percentile in framing and 88th percentile in Blocks Above Average. Fantasy managers should expect Trevino to typically operate as the No. 2 option behind in the plate. However, the top option, Tyler Stephenson (oblique), will open the season on the 10-day injured list, which will provide Trevino more opportunities early in the campaign.

5 days ago

Spencer Steer • LF • Reds

Spencer Steer To Resume Throwing On Tuesday, Could Be Ready For Opening Day

Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) will resume throwing in camp on Tuesday, and the Reds are still holding out hope that he can avoid a stint on the injured list to start the 2025 regular season, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. However, it's probably going to be a close call, as Steer hasn't played in a spring training game since February as he works his way back from a cortisone shot for his balky shoulder. The 27-year-old, who played through a shoulder strain in 2024, has been swinging a bat in drills for the last week, and MRI exams haven't shown any structural damage. If Steer is forced to open the season on the IL, Jeimer Candelario would likely open the year at third base, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand being the primary first baseman across the diamond. Steer has only had seven plate appearances in Cactus League games, so don't rule out a slow start for him at the plate.

Mar 17

Alexis Díaz • RP • Reds

Alexis Diaz To Pitch In Minor-League Game On Tuesday

The Cincinnati Reds will have right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz pitch in a minor-league game in camp on Tuesday after another rough outing in the Cactus League on Saturday in which he gave up five runs on three hits while walking three in just one-third of an inning. The 28-year-old dealt with a hamstring injury early in camp and also developed a cut on his right thumb during his outing on Saturday. The Reds are hoping that he'll be able to iron out his issues before Opening Day arrives next Thursday, but fantasy managers can't be so certain. Diaz was expected to be Cincy's primary closer entering the 2025 season, but his struggles this spring could open the door for the likes of Emilio Pagan, Taylor Rogers, Tony Santillan and Scott Barlow in the ninth inning. Diaz has become a shaky No. 2 fantasy closer for those that have yet to draft.

Mar 17

Will Benson • LF • Reds

Will Benson Sent To Triple-A

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Benson was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead begin his 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. Benson struggled at the plate last season as he held an underwhelming .187/.274/.376 slash line with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases. He generated a poor .268 xwOBA with a .180 xBA. This was a sharp decline when looking at the .275/.365/.498 slash line with 11 home runs and 19 stolen bases. During that campaign, Benson generated a solid 42.3 percent hard-hit rate and drew walks at an elite 12.2 percent rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression at Triple-A as he should be in the mix to return to the big leagues as an injury replacement. When he does get the call, he could be worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues, given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.

Mar 16

Bryan Shaw • RP • Reds

Bryan Shaw Optioned To Triple-A

Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Bryan Shaw was optioned to Triple-A. Shaw joined the Reds as a non-roster invite earlier in the winter. Last season, the 37-year-old logged just four innings in the major leagues. Across this short stint, Shaw allowed four earned runs and held a 4:4 BB:K. During the 2023 campaign, Shaw logged 45 2/3 innings of work to the tune of a 4.14 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. During this season, Shaw tallied 40 punchouts with 17 walks and four saves. Across 92 2/3 career innings a the Triple-A level, Shaw has posted a 4.37 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Shaw to be in the mix to return to the majors later in the 2025 season when the Reds need additional depth in their bullpen.

Mar 16

Jose Trevino • C • Reds

Jose Trevino Going For CT Scan

Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (hand) is undergoing a CT scan on his right hand on Saturday. Trevino suffered this injury during Friday's spring training contest. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be at risk of missing the start of the regular season if this injury is serious. The Reds are already going to be without top backstop Tyler Stephenson (oblique) during the start of the regular season. The Reds acquired Trevino in a trade from the New York Yankees earlier in the offseason. Last season, the 32-year-old posted a .215/.288/.354 slash line with eight home runs. If Trevino were to miss the start of the regular season, fantasy managers should expect Austin Wynns to move up to the top of the depth chart.

Mar 15

Jose Trevino • C • Reds

Jose Trevino Exits Early On Friday

Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (hand) exited Friday's spring training contest early after a foul tip hit him on his hand. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team has yet to provide information on the severity of the injury. This is also not a good sign as top catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) is set to begin the season on the injured list. The Reds acquired Trevino earlier in the offseason in a trade from the Yankees in exchange for Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson. Last season in the Bronx, the 32-year-old backstop posted a .215/.288/.354 line with five doubles and eight long balls. He showed a strong eye at the plate, holding a 17.5 percent strikeout rate. If Trevino were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect Austin Wynns to operate as the No. 1 backstop.

Mar 14

Tyler Stephenson • C • Reds

Tyler Stephenson To Open Year On Injured List With Low-Grade Oblique Strain

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) will be forced to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list after being diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain. The Reds weren't too worried about Stephenson's injury when he initially was announced as dealing with a sore back, and although it shouldn't be a long-term injury, it will keep the 28-year-old from playing on Opening Day and in early April. He will now miss the rest of spring training and will hope that he doesn't suffer any setbacks when he eventually starts to ramp up baseball activities. It means that Jose Trevino will now open the year as Cincy's starting catcher, with Austin Wynns likely backing him up. After a bounce-back 2024 season in which the former first-rounder hit .258 with career-highs in homers (19) and RBI (66), Stephenson will now fall outside the top-10 fantasy catchers due to his oblique injury.

Mar 14

Spencer Steer • LF • Reds

Spencer Steer Showing Signs Of Improvement

Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) took swings in the batting cage on Wednesday. However, he has not resumed throwing. It's a critical step for the 27-year-old, who hadn't picked up a bat since receiving a cortisone shot in his shoulder on Mar. 1. "It's been progressing well," said Steer, "Hopefully, it continues." While he appears to be progressing well, Sheldon notes that the versatile outfielder is still likely to begin the season on the injured list. Still, the former third-round pick isn't yet giving up hope. "I wouldn't count it out yet, I really wouldn't. But it's getting close." Steer notched his first 20/20 season in 2024, though he projects as a better option in points leagues unless his average climbs back up toward the .271 he hit in 2023. He's currently sitting around the top 100 in ADP.

Mar 13

Tyler Stephenson • C • Reds

Tyler Stephenson Going For MRI Exam

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (back) is going for an MRI exam after being scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Texas Rangers due to lower-back pain, according to manager Terry Francona. The Reds initially said that they thought Stephenson "was going to be fine." The starting backstop has hit .227 with a home run and four walks in 22 official spring training at-bats this year. If his injury turns out to be serious enough to land him on the injured list to open the regular season, Jose Trevino would be forced into regular playing time behind the dish in Cincy. Fantasy managers will want to check back later for Stephenson's MRI results, but for now he should be considered day-to-day. The 28-year-old had a resurgent 2024 campaign with career-highs in homers (19), RBI (66) and runs (69) and should be considered a top-10 fantasy catcher as long as his back injury isn't anything serious.

Mar 13

Tyler Stephenson • C • Reds

Tyler Stephenson Dealing With Back Injury

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (back) was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to "lower-to-middle back pain." Manager Terry Francona noted that Stephenson will be "fine" and that it did not make sense to have him suit up. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team may opt to keep him sidelined for a few days. However, it appears this injury is not serious and will not put him in danger of missing Opening Day. While the 28-year-old kept out of action, Jose Trevino should see most of the catching duties. Last season, Stephenson enjoyed a career-season as he went deep 19 times and held a .258/.338/.444 line. He generated a strong 43.9 percent hard-hit rate with a 90.2 mph average exit velocity. He should be viewed as a solid low-end No. 1 catcher in all formats playing in a favorable hitting park.

Mar 13

Noelvi Marte • 3B • Reds

Reds Send Noelvi Marte To Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds optioned infielder Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville on Monday, according to the team. In addition to Marte, the Reds optioned infielder/outfielder Tyler Callihan, outfielder Rece Hinds and right-handers Connor Phillips and Yosver Zulueta to Louisville and reassigned infielder Sal Stewart to minor-league camp. Marte, 23, is the biggest name of the bunch, although he should be up with the Reds sooner than later in 2025. The 23-year-old Dominican infielder served an 80-game suspension last year for performance-enhancing drugs and then hit a disappointing .210/.248/.301 with four home runs, 18 RBI, nine steals and 24 runs scored in 66 games upon his return. In 11 spring training games, he went 3-for-20 with no homers, three RBI and eight strikeouts. The former top prospect still has an intriguing power/speed profile, but for now he'll head to the minors to hopefully regain some confidence at the plate.

Mar 10

Cam Collier • 3B • Reds

Cam Collier To Undergo Thumb Surgery

Cincinnati Reds third base prospect Cam Collier (thumb) is set to undergo surgery on his thumb. The 20-year-old is expected to resume hitting in approximately 4-to-6 weeks. The former 18th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft was recently assigned to minor-league camp. However, with this operation, he will have a delayed start to his 2025 minor league season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could make his 2025 season debut sometime in May if he does not face any setbacks. Last season, the infielder posted a .248/.355/.443 slash line with 21 doubles and 20 long balls across 119 contests at High-A. He swiped two bags and held a 66:127 BB:K ratio. When he is cleared to return, he will likely open the campaign at High-A.

Mar 10

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