MESA, Ariz. -- The Reds didn't quite reach the finish line of setting the Opening Day roster after the latest round of cuts on Friday. But it's about as close as it gets, with 25 of the 26 spots now decided.

First baseman Mike Ford, reliever Tony Santillan and catcher Michael Trautwein were reassigned to Minor League camp. The moves leave Cincinnati with 12 healthy position players, and it needs a 13th.

“We’ll have to figure out the last spot," manager David Bell said.

Ford, a non-roster invitee who signed a Minor League contract on Feb. 24, had an impressive camp after batting .455 with three home runs. Two of his homers came on Thursday vs. the Mariners.

The Reds opted to go with outfielder/first baseman Nick Martini as their left-handed-hitting power bat off the bench. Martini was told he made the team.

"We know what kind of hitter Mike Ford is. He showed it in Spring Training," Bell said. "He couldn’t have done anything more. It says a lot about how we feel about Martini and what he means to our team, what he’s been able to show us on the field.”

Santillan, also a non-roster player who has been trying to battle back from back injuries each of the last two seasons, made a strong bid for the final bullpen spot. He posted a 0.00 ERA with one unearned run, two hits, no walks and 11 strikeouts over six innings in six appearances.

“For Tony, he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing and continue to show he’s healthy," Bell said. "He’s been through a lot. If he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be with us all the way through the end of the year.”

Left-handed reliever Sam Moll, who began behind in camp after having shoulder soreness during his offseason throwing program, will open the season on the injured list. Moll struggled in each of his two spring appearances after debuting on Monday.

"He’s no longer injured. He’s just not ready yet," Bell said.

Tejay Antone and Fernando Cruz have made the bullpen. Antone was limited to five games last season as he has been battling back from 2021 Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

"That was a big moment," Antone said of being told he was on the team. "David told me earlier in camp that I was fighting for a spot. It was stressful."

As for the 26th and final roster spot, the Reds have some options. They could bring someone back that was already cut or look externally.

After injuries to center fielder TJ Friedl and second baseman Matt McLain, the Reds solved their infield shortage by trading for Santiago Espinal from the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Cincinnati could fill the open spot with another outfielder. Internally, 40-man roster players Bubba Thompson or No. 24 Reds prospect Jacob Hurtubise -- both earlier camp cuts -- are among those in consideration.

“It doesn’t have to be one profile," Bell said. "I think it’s going to probably be an outfielder since we acquired Espinal. It doesn’t have to be if somebody becomes available or we have room.”

Ashcraft finishes spring games
In his final Cactus League start, Graham Ashcraft pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up two runs, four hits and four walks with six strikeouts against the A's in an 8-6 Reds loss. Ashcraft gave up one run in both the first and second innings but settled into a groove.

"Ready to get out of here," Ashcraft said. "It was a real warm one today. Today I wished I didn’t have an undershirt on. I was dying.”

Ashcraft had the bases loaded with one out after issuing three walks in the fifth inning. He escaped with a 6-4-3 double play hit into by Daniel Susac.

“I felt like I was making some good pitches," Ashcraft said. "They were just off. I had to keep pounding the zone and force contact to get that ground ball so that double play can happen.”