Lots of things going on in the Reds universe, other than our predictions below.
The biggest news is the fact that outfielder Chris Denorfia may miss the entire season; he’s scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery. Bad break for a good kid.
Many other roster moves today:
–RP Gary Majewski was optioned to Louisville!!! Woo-hoo!!!
–Also sent to AAA was Bobby Livingston. Don’t be surprised if he is the first pitcher called up when the Reds need another arm.
–Placed on the disabled list: Jeff Keppinger (with a broken finger), reliever Bill Bray (a bruised fingertip?), Jerry Gil (sore right elbow), and Elizardo Ramirez, who has a sore right shoulder.
The roster is now down to 28 players. As John Fay notes, the last position player will be Chad Moeller or Norris Hopper. Prediction: three catchers, here we come!
Matt Belisle and Kirk Saarloos continue to battle for the 5th starter role. With two spots available in the bullpen, it looks like it comes down to Victor Santos, Jared Burton, and Jon Coutlangus, who has pitched well lately…though I imagine that Belisle will be in the pen if he doesn’t make the rotation. They aren’t going to send him down in favor of Victor Santos.
GM Wayne Krivsky says that Burton, who is a Rule 5 pick, has the team made, as of now.
That means Santos and Coutlangus, in my opinion, are headed for Louisville. Unless…
And the fact that Jon Coutlangus is still on the roster tells me they really are trying to trade Rheal Cormier. Coutlangus performance against Philadelphia was big-time. When you’re trying to win a job and they bring you in to face Chase Utley and Ryan Howard with the bases loaded, that’s pressure. Coutlangus two strikeouts spoke volumes.
We’ll see.