Luke Weaver
Manager David Bell conceded on Saturday that Luke Weaver's chances of being ready for the start of the season are in doubt. Weaver left a Minor League game on Monday with soreness in his right forearm.
"The next couple of days will tell us a lot more. I think it’s going to be really close, though," Bell said. "I think we’d have to push pretty hard to get him ready for Opening Day."
Louis Cessa
Another candidate, Luis Cessa, has been away from the team to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. However, Cessa has only pitched once during that span -- a two-inning relief appearance against Colombia on March 11.
"It’s still possible he would be able to be in our rotation and get up to 4-5 innings," Bell said. "... If, for some reason, that doesn’t happen, he has a spot on our staff. He can help us as a reliever, but he’s still in the mix for the rotation."
Brandon Williamson
Cincinnati's No. 10-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, Williamson pitched four innings in Saturday's 7-1 win over the A's and allowed one earned run and two hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Walks have been a mild issue for Williamson during camp. He has six of them along with 12 hits and 11 strikeouts over 11 innings. But he felt more in command on Saturday. Williamson has a 6.55 ERA through five games (three starts).
Connor Overton
Chase Anderson
There are two off-days in the schedule in the first nine days of the regular season, but going with a four-man rotation isn't necessarily a solution -- especially if it requires sending someone to the Minors. Players optioned cannot be recalled for at least 15 days. Following those two off-days, the Reds play 19 straight games and would certainly need a fifth starter for that stretch.
Who do you think gets those last 2 rotation spots?
Reply With Quote