Reds set OD roster just ahead of deadline
CINCINNATI -- After taking as much time as possible to mull over the final decisions, the Reds set their 25-man roster for Opening Day on Thursday.
There were no last-second waiver-wire claims that threw a wrench into the process, but there was some unexpected maneuvering.
"We're used to juggling," Reds general manager Dick Williams said. "It all came together."
Because Thursday's game was rained out, the Reds will hold Opening Day vs. the Nationals at 4:10 p.m. ET Friday.
Here's a rundown at the 25-man roster, and what was correctly predicted during Spring Training -- and what wasn't.
The everyday eight
Catcher Tucker Barnhart, first baseman Joey Votto, second baseman Scooter Gennett, shortstop Jose Peraza, third baseman Eugenio Suarez, left fielder Adam Duvall, center fielder Billy Hamilton and right fielder Scott Schebler.
This was the prediction both before and during camp. The only change, pending manager Bryan Price's starting lineup, is if Jesse Winker gets a start as part of the four-man outfield rotation.
Rotation
Homer Bailey, Luis Castillo, Sal Romano, Tyler Mahle, Cody Reed
First prediction:Anthony DeSclafani, Bailey, Brandon Finnegan, Castillo, Romano
Second prediction: Bailey, Finnegan, Castillo, Romano, Mahle
What changed? DeSclafani went on the 60-day DL with a left oblique strain, and Finnegan is on the 10-day DL after falling behind from a left forearm spasm in his March 11 start. He is expected to be ready after missing a turn or two.
Reed became a late addition to the rotation because of Thursday's rainout. The club will need a fifth starter on Tuesday vs. the Cubs, and Reed was selected over Amir Garrett because Price felt Garrett would be needed to get more work during the opening series vs. the Nationals' lefty-heavy lineup.
Bullpen:Jared Hughes, Wandy Peralta, Garrett, Austin Brice, Kevin Quackenbush, Zack Weiss, Jackson Stephens
First prediction:Raisel Iglesias, Hughes, David Hernandez, Peralta, Michael Lorenzen, Vance Worley, Ariel Hernandez
Second prediction: Iglesias, Hughes, D. Hernandez, Peralta, Lorenzen, Kevin Shackelford, Garrett.
What changed? Iglesias was placed on the three-day paternity list on Thursday, rendering him unavailable. David Hernandez was placed on the 10-day DL with a right shoulder impingement. Lorenzen was injured during camp (right teres major strain) and is also on the DL. Shackelford is on the DL with a right forearm strain. Worley ended up competing down to the end of the preseason, but he was the final cut to get to 25 men. Stephens was added, theoretically, until Iglesias can return on Sunday.
Bench: Winker, catcher Devin Mesoraco, infielder Cliff Pennington, infielder Phil Gosselin, outfielder Phillip Ervin.
First prediction: Mesoraco, Winker, second baseman Dilson Herrera, Gosselin and utility player Patrick Kivlehan
Second prediction: Mesoraco, Winker, Pennington, outfielder Ben Revere, Gosselin.
What changed? Revere was cut near the end of camp and opted for his release. Ervin earned the job as the fifth outfielder with a decent spring, and he can be a speed element from the bench.
"Looks like we're pieced together here for Opening Day," Price said. "It came down to the wire, but it worked out."