Cincinnati Reds’ 2016 Opening Day Roster Set

The Cincinnati Reds have slimmed down their spring roster, leaving the Opening Day team nearly set in stone.

After weeks of speculating, we now know who will make up the Reds’ roster when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day.

The team announced their final spring cuts on Sunday afternoon, sending catcher Ramon Cabrera, infielder Jose Peraza, right-handed pitcher Dayan Diaz and right-handed pitcher Tim Melville to Triple-A Louisville.

The big surprise here is that Peraza did not make the roster, though the decision makes sense given that the Reds wouldn’t have been able to get him the at-bats he needs to continue developing. In Louisville, the 21-year-old should be the starting second baseman with no questions asked, but expect to see him in Cincinnati at some point in 2016.

Additionally, outfielder Jake Cave was designated for assignment after no team claimed him on waivers. Given his status as Rule 5 pick, Cave will likely be offered back to the New York Yankees. Taking the place of fifth outfielder is Tyler Holt, who was recalled from Triple-A, while utility-man Jordan Pacheco had his contract purchased by the team.

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Finally, the Reds placed catcher Kyle Skipworth, outfielder Yorman Rodriguez, left-handed pitcher John Lamb and right-handed pitchers Anthony DeSclafani, Michael Lorenzen and Jon Moscot on the 15-day disabled list.

Homer Bailey will be placed on the 60-day DL on Monday and the starting pitcher for Thursday’s game will be called up, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s C. Trent Rosecrans. The Reds’ lone veteran starter is expected back in May as he continues recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com is reporting that top pitching prospect Robert Stephenson will be the pitcher called up.

DeSclafani is on target to start the team’s sixth game of the year on April 10 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Rosecrans also reported, meaning the Reds won’t need to call up a fifth starter.

That leaves the Opening Day roster all but set:

Catchers: Devin Mesoraco, Tucker Barnhart, Jordan Pacheco

Infielders: Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Zack Cozart, Eugenio Suarez, Ivan De Jesus Jr.

Outfielders: Adam Duvall, Billy Hamilton, Jay Bruce, Scott Schebler, Tyler Holt

Starting Pitchers: Raisel Iglesias, Brandon Finnegan, Alfredo Simon (with Stephenson reportedly to be added on Monday)

Bullpen: J.J. Hoover, Tony Cingrani, Jumbo Diaz, Keyvius Sampson, Dan Straily, Ross Ohlendorf, Caleb Cotham, Blake Wood