The reds’ 26-man roster sits at 25, how will they fill their last spot?

In the lead-up to Opening Day, the Cincinnati Reds are finalizing their roster, with the unusual task of adding a player rather than making the usual cuts. With recent reassignments of Mike Ford, Tony Santillan, and Michael Trautwein to minor league camp, the team now faces the challenge of selecting one more player to complete the 26-player roster. This decision comes as 32 players remain in camp, with seven slated to begin the season on the injured list, leaving a numerical gap of one player to fill.

Manager David Bell indicated that the additional player need not conform to a specific profile, suggesting an outfielder as a likely choice following the acquisition of Santiago Espinal. However, Bell remains open to other possibilities should they arise.

Bubba Thompson and Jacob Hurtubise are among those vying for the final roster spot, as they join the team for intrasquad scrimmages ahead of Opening Day.

As teams across baseball make cuts, the Reds may explore external options to complete their roster. Notably, all 25 players confirmed for the team are already on the 40-man roster, eliminating the need for additional roster moves.

The roster situation is particularly impacted by injuries, with uncertainties regarding the duration of players’ absence. None of those starting the season on the injured list are guaranteed to be placed on the 60-day IL. Updates on specific injuries, such as Jonathan McLain’s shoulder evaluation and Nick Lodolo’s expected activation, add complexity to roster decisions.

Despite offseason consistency in the roster, players like Michael Trautwein have impressed during spring training, though Trautwein will begin the season in Louisville following the scrimmages in Cincinnati. Trautwein’s strong performance, particularly behind the plate, has generated buzz among camp observers.

The role of Santiago Espinal, an All-Star in 2022, remains uncertain within the lineup. Capable of playing multiple infield positions, Espinal is set to serve as a backup for shortstop De La Cruz, adding versatility to the roster.

In conclusion, the Reds face the unique task of adding one more player to complete their Opening Day roster, navigating a combination of injuries and standout performances from contenders. The final decision may hinge on factors like positional needs and player versatility as they aim to field a competitive team for the start of the season.