While it came a bit later than many other teams, the Cincinnati Reds officially announced their Opening Day 26-man roster. There aren’t many surprises on it. We knew that Shogo Akiyama, Sonny Gray, and Michael Lorenzen would all begin the year on the injured list. And while not official, we learned yesterday what the pitching staff would look like and that it would feature five starting pitchers and eight relievers.
What we’ve been waiting on when it comes to the roster is the status of Joey Votto. The Reds first baseman returned to spring training late after missing time after contracting COVID-19. He wanted to not only be sure he was ready to play physically, but that he was ready from a preparedness standpoint. The status of Votto meant two things: First would be that the team would need to make a 40-man roster move if he were active, and second, if he weren’t active that may change who makes the team as a bench player because having some first base experience could be a factor.
Well, Joey Votto is ready to go. And here is your Cincinnati Reds Opening Day 26-man roster:
| Rotation | Infielders |
| Luis Castillo | Alex Blandino |
| Tyler Mahle | Kyle Farmer |
| Jeff Hoffman | Jonathan India |
| José De León | Mike Moustakas |
| Wade Miley | Joey Votto |
| Bullpen | Eugenio Suárez |
| Tejay Antone | Outfielders |
| Cam Bedrosian | Aristides Aquino |
| Sean Doolittle | Nick Castellanos |
| Carson Fulmer | Tyler Naquin |
| Amir Garrett | Nick Senzel |
| Cionel Pérez | Jesse Winker |
| Sal Romano | Injured List |
| Lucas Sims | Shogo Akiyama |
| Catchers | Sonny Gray |
| Tucker Barnhart | Michael Lorenzen |
| Tyler Stephenson | Brandon Bailey (60-day) |
Max Schrock and Mark Payton were both optioned to the Reds alternate site. To make room on the 40-man roster with Joey Votto coming off of the injured list, Cincinnati designated pitcher Edgar García for assignment. Shogo Akiyama, Sonny Gray, and Michael Lorenzen were all placed on the 10-day injured list.
Thanks Doug for getting this out to us this morning. Even though many of my posts have been lets say not so optimistic this spring, I have to say I love baseball and I honestly can say with it being a new season and with the team we have I do have some optimism honestly that we can compete, especially in this division.
So with that GO REDS! and lets prove everyone wrong and have a stellar season.
Does Payton have to paint the ballpark? AAA numbers to Spring numbers offense to defense name 1 player in league not team better. The only way to prove his worth or any players worth was proven. The man hit 30 Jack’s after the argument why he wasn’t brought up was no power. The politics of baseball overrides what should matter, all-round talent.
I’m not sure about his painting ability. I hope he gets a chance to show what he can do in the majors at some point this year.
Thank you Tom. Payton is an excellent player who continues to learn, develop and, most importantly, produce results.
I agree completely, I am from Michigan and would love to have him in Detroit.
i feel mlb needs to get out of the dark ages and go to a flex schedule, especially for the april games. Our weather models are so accurate and precise that there is no excuse to be playing today. we knew 2 weeks ago that it would be bitter cold today with snow. why not reschedule the game to tuesday or wednesday when the weather was much nicer?
But it was also supposed to be sunny today per the outlook as recently as several days ago. However, at least where I am sitting looking out the window 55 miles north, there is not even a hint of sunshine. That bright sunshine would have made for quite a difference in the “real feel” as some forecasters call it now.
Surprised but happy Blandino made it over Schrook.
Was hoping Payton would make it over Naquin.
Yes I too was happy to see Blandino get the nod over Schrock.
Payton is a good 4th OF, but I knew this was going to happen Naquin has a bit more upside and potential I think power wise.
Hopefully Payton isn’t lost though the guy is a quality player all around.
I’m a Payton fan but I thought Naquin came on in the last 2 weeks. Health is going to be a problem this year with players and even though guys got sent down they will get their chance. I like the depth this year. It’s good to have the Aquinos and Blandino and Farmer on the bench. With Schrock and Payton only a phone call away. If these guys dont produce as well as pitchers they will be gone and next guy up. They have the depth.
I agree. It will be interesting when Shogo comes back. They won’t cut Naquin after just putting him on the roster. Will that mean the end to Aquino.
Looks good, I don’t think its worth quibbling over the 25 and 26 man on Opening Day. I like the batting order today. When was the last time we’ve had a SS batting 4th? Larkin maybe?
Really happy for Blandino and Aquino. They both deserve it and I honestly believe both will contribute this year in some way or another. It’s a long season coming off a short season and there will be lots of injuries IMO.