'Just ready to play baseball': Reds back at camp

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- With the lockout ending on Thursday evening, several Reds players have wasted little time in getting to the club's player development complex since it opened to Major League players on Friday.

First baseman Joey Votto arrived on Friday while left fielder Jesse Winker, catcher Tyler Stephenson, outfielder Shogo Akiyama and reliever Amir Garrett were among those stopping by to drop off belongings and participate in optional workouts.

The mandatory report date for Spring Training is Sunday. An updated Cactus League schedule has the Reds opening exhibition games on Friday vs. the Guardians.

“I’m glad everything got taken care of,” Winker said. “I’m just ready to play baseball.”

Besides preparing for the upcoming season, Winker used the offseason to spend time with his young daughter and hit some Florida beaches. Stephenson got married in December and went to Los Angeles with second baseman Jonathan India last month to see the Bengals play in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

Akiyama completed his rehabilitation from a right hamstring strain. He arrived at the complex late Saturday afternoon after flying to the United States from Japan.

Entering the final season of his three-year, $21 million contract, 2022 is a big year for Akiyama. He missed the first month of last season with a left hamstring strain and ended it with another hamstring injury.

Akiyama batted .204 in 88 games and found it difficult to get playing time in the outfield while struggling at the plate.

“I’m going to put last year in the rearview mirror,” Akiyama said via interpreter Luke Shinoda. “I’ve got to be able -- where even with a young core -- to be the player that everyone needs, and I look forward to it. I’m going to play hard this year.”

Stephenson is coming off a successful rookie season and will be the new regular catcher after veteran Tucker Barnhart was traded to the Tigers in November.

“Obviously, I’m excited for everything that’s going to come along this year,” Stephenson said. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in myself and obviously, they believe in me. I’m excited just to get to work, meet everybody, meet the new guys and get this thing rolling.”

General manager Nick Krall noted that a couple of players -- rotation ace Luis Castillo and shortstop Jose Barrero -- will be late arrivals because of flight or family issues.

With a truncated camp of about 3 1/2 weeks, the Reds will have to move quickly to be ready for Opening Day on April 7 at Atlanta. But there is a lot to do, namely catching up with all of the players.

“We’re still trying to get a feel for where everybody is,” Krall said. “Without having communication for a three-month period has not allowed us to figure out where everybody is to wait and see. We did have Minor League early camp, [and] we will bring those guys over whenever they need to. There are a handful of players up to speed. For the most part, it’ll be unsure. Just about everybody is coming in on time.”