Observations from Cincinnati Reds’ 10-2 Loss to Angels

You wouldn’t know it from the score, but the Cincinnati Reds actually led at one point on Monday. The lead wouldn’t even last an inning, however, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim knocked the Reds around for a 10-2 win.

Here are some takeaways from the game:

Raisel rusty in return

With an offseason of improving shoulder strength and flexibility behind him, Raisel Iglesias took the mound in a game for the first time this spring. It was a bit of an up-and-down showing for the Cuban, as he allowed solidly hit singles to the first two batters he faced. He escaped a huge inning by inducing a ground-ball double play and a strikeout, but a run did cross the plate. That would be it for the 26-year-old in his debut as he reached his pitch limit. As one of the few pitchers guaranteed a rotation spot, it’ll be interesting to see how the Reds handle Iglesias this season. After throwing 124.1 innings last year — by far the most in his baseball career — he should see a bump in that number this year, but the team will be careful with him after his rookie season was cut short in early September by shoulder fatigue.

Bullpen knocked around

Once Iglesias exited the game, things got much worse for Reds pitchers. Tim Melville, a candidate for the starting rotation in light of the ever-growing list of injuries, was not sharp. In 3.1 innings, he allowed four runs on five hits, while struggling mightily with his control (three walks). Jumbo Diaz took over in the middle of the fifth inning for Melville and got pounded for three runs on five hits, raising his spring ERA to 9.00. Stephen Johnson and J.C. Ramirez were next up, each pitching an inning and allowing a run.

Dayan Diaz was the only Reds pitcher to not allow a run on the day, delivering a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout. Despite impressive minor-league numbers (2.05 ERA, 1.18 WHIP), the 27-year-old has yet to play in the majors, but that could change if he continues to pitch the way he has so far. In four appearances, he’s allowed one run and three hits, while striking out four and walking two.

Hot streak continues for Peraza

The Reds’ decision on what to do with Jose Peraza gets more and more tough by the day. Starting in center field for the first time this spring, he continued to rake at the plate with his third straight (and fourth overall) multi-hit game by notching two hits in three at-bats. He also swiped his fourth bag of the spring, but would’ve been picked off had it not been for an errant throw by pitcher Nate Smith. Peraza is now hitting .435 (10-for-23). His ability to play center field may be what gives him a place on the roster if Billy Hamilton is forced to start the season on the disabled list.

Notes:

• Utility-man Jordan Pacheco had another big day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with both hits being doubles (although one came when the center fielder lost a routine pop-up in the sun). He’s making a solid case for inclusion on the Opening Day roster, as he’s now hitting .292/.393/.667 with three doubles, two home runs and four RBI.
• It was another hitless day at the plate for Yorman Rodriguez, but he did walk twice, a pleasant sight to see for a player who has a career minor-league walk rate of 7.0 percent. He now has four walks in 23 plate appearances.
• Ivan De Jesus Jr. went 2-for-2 at the plate, while Eugenio Suarez picked up an RBI single in the first inning.