Reds continue roster moves, option five players to the minors
GOODYEAR, Ariz. –– The Cincinnati Reds continued to trim their roster, optioning five minor league players with limited big league experience to Triple-A for the start of the season.
The Reds reassigned to minor league camp and optioned to Louisville reliever Casey Legumina, starter Christian Roa, starter Carson Spiers, outfielder Rece Hinds and outfielder Jacob Hurtubise.
Spiers had an impressive big league camp and factors into the Reds’ plans as a potential swingman this year. Spiers has experience starting and pitching out of the bullpen, and he made a considerable leap from last year to this year.
He’s using his off-speed pitches more effectively and getting more swings and misses, and Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has spoken highly of Spiers’ versatility.
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The Reds have 47 players remaining in big league camp and will cut the roster to 26 for the start of the season.
Hunter Greene working on being more efficient
On Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene allowed two runs in three innings and walked three batters. Greene was scheduled to pitch four innings on Thursday, but he only threw three as the Cubs worked up his pitch count.
Through his first three spring training appearances, Greene hasn’t had a complete performance yet where everything fell into place. This spring, Greene has allowed four runs, walked seven batters and been pulled earlier than planned due to high pitch counts in two of his three appearances.
“I (want to) continue to fill the zone up and bring the walks down,” Greene said. “I know that’ll take care of itself. I’m a professional. I know how to work on that. I’m not going to stress it. There were a lot of positives today. I’m going to focus on those positives and work on them.”
Greene said that he’s feeling strong, and his lower body is feeling good. With that foundation in place, he said the rest can take care of itself.
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On Thursday, Greene sat around 97 mph with his fastball. While his velocity isn’t all the way up to 100 mph, he overpowered Cubs hitters with that pitch. He opened Thursday’s start with three straight fastballs and got a three-pitch strikeout. But following a walk, Greene allowed a two-run home run to Cubs first baseman Michael Busch.
“He got better in the second and third inning,” Reds manager David Bell said. “In the first inning, he just threw too many pitches so he wasn’t able to get his fourth inning in. He continues to work on his secondary pitches, and he had a good fastball today.”
Greene said that his spring training results matter, but he doesn’t see his final line as the be-all, end-all. Greene was hurt by some questionable calls on Thursday, and some plays behind him by the Reds’ defense kept him on the mound for longer than he could have been in the three innings that he pitched.
Overall, Greene said that he’s in a good place in his preparation for the season.
“I want to be ready,” Greene said. “At the same time, we can’t beat ourselves over stuff that doesn’t go our way. Spring training is here for a reason. I understand that, but I also have my own expectations. I want to do well and have efficient innings.”
Ian Gibaut on the comeback following injury
Reds reliever Ian Gibaut is still limited due to an injury, but he’s optimistic that he has enough time to get ready for the season.
Gibaut, who is coming back from a pronator strain, has been playing catch for the last few days.
“It’s a night and day difference,” Gibaut said. “I don’t really have a timeline. Hopefully, I’ll get off the mound in the next few days on Sunday or Monday. I’m definitely feeling good.”
Last year, Gibaut was the Reds’ most consistent setup reliever down the stretch. After bouncing around the waiver wire for a few years, he settled in with the Reds and posted a 3.33 ERA. He also ranked fifth in MLB with 74 appearances.
Reds reliever Emilio Pagán (sports hernia) is scheduled to make his spring training debut on Friday. Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (tibia) is scheduled to make his spring training debut on Sunday. Reds reliever Alex Young (back) threw live batting practice against Reds hitters on Thursday, and reliever Sam Moll (shoulder) has been pitching off of the mound. Moll is also optimistic about being ready for the start of the season.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds continue roster moves, option five players to the minors
