Reds 'down to the final decisions' after latest cuts

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Four more cuts from camp on Friday have brought the Reds' 26-man Opening Day roster closer into focus.

Cincinnati released utility player Chad Pinder, optioned left-handed pitching prospect Brandon Williamson to Triple-A Louisville and reassigned utility player Matt Reynolds and starting pitcher Chase Anderson to Minor League camp. There are 36 players remaining, including multiple players who will open the regular season on the injured list.

"Best way to say it is we're down to the final decisions," Reds manager David Bell said.

The departures of Williamson and Anderson mean that the Reds' five-man rotation will be in this order: Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Connor Overton and Luis Cessa.

Overton, who had a 1.82 ERA in four starts last season before a back injury put him out for four months, initially struggled in his early outings this spring before coming on late in camp.

"Tough decision, but as far as what Connor brings is he showed what he’s capable of last season," Bell said. "He had a significant injury and he worked extremely hard to get himself back. He was probably our most prepared pitcher coming into Spring Training from a physical standpoint. He had thrown the most and faced live hitters in the offseason.

"I think early on he tried to do too much and was almost maybe too ready. He finally settled in. The last few times out, he’s shown what he’s capable of."

Cessa had only two Cactus League games before departing camp to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. When he wasn't used much and limited to one relief appearance, the right-hander returned on Saturday with an effective three-inning start that showed the club he could be ready in time for the regular season rotation.

Williamson, who is ranked as Cincinnati's No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline, finished with an 11.20 ERA in six games (four starts) after being roughed up for nine earned runs and eight hits by the Mariners in Thursday's 17-6 loss.

"He's getting better in the areas he needs to," Bell said. "We talked about this with some of our other young players, even though they didn't make the team, being here and competing in Spring Training kind of brings to light some of the finer points that they can go and have a purpose and work on in Triple-A. He's right on the brink."

Anderson, a non-roster invitee, made two Cactus League starts and a handful more in Minor League games. Bell said that Anderson -- who has an out clause in his contract -- would remain with the organization to be a starter for Louisville.

Although he went 4-for-39 (.103) in 15 games this spring as a non-roster player, Pinder's cut still felt like a surprise. Known for his veteran leadership skills after seven seasons in Oakland, he also has experience playing eight positions.

"That’s a tough one because Chad Pinder has a track record of being a good player," Bell said. "He has versatility. Just an incredible person, too. He’ll be missed. It just wasn’t the right roster fit."

Reynolds, in camp as a non-roster player, was limited most of spring because of strains in both of his quadriceps. When ready, he could become an option to rejoin the team during the season because of his versatility.

Still competing for the final position player spots are outfielders TJ Friedl, Will Benson and Henry Ramos and corner infielder Jason Vosler. Ramos and Vosler are not currently on the 40-man roster.

Whether or not Vosler makes the team could hinge on if Joey Votto can complete his comeback from August left shoulder surgery in time for Opening Day.

For the final bullpen spots, the battle appears to be between lefties Alex Young and Bennett Sousa and right-handers Derek Law, Joel Kuhnel and Hunter Strickland. Young, Law and Strickland are non-roster invites.

With lefty Reiver Sanmartin seeming likely to make the club, it's possible the Reds could carry three left-handers in their bullpen.

"We have more guys than we have spots here," Bell said.

Center fielder Nick Senzel, relievers Lucas Sims and Tejay Antone, starting pitchers Luke Weaver, Justin Dunn and Vladimir Gutierrez will begin the season on the IL.

The Reds will break camp after a pair of split-squad games on Sunday and have scheduled intrasquad games at Great American Ball Park for Monday and Wednesday. The final roster is due just ahead of Thursday's Opening Day game vs. the Pirates.