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Cincinnati Reds: Three prospects looking to impress during spring camp

ByDrew Koch|
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Hats and gloves of the Cincinnati Reds sit in the dugout between innings of the Reds game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 24: Hats and gloves of the Cincinnati Reds sit in the dugout between innings of the Reds game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 24, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 26: A baseball sits on the mound before the game pitting the Minnesota Twins against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field on April 26, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

3. Tejay Antone, Right-handed pitcher

Recently added to the 40-man roster, Tejay Antone had some success in the minor leagues last season. A former fifth-round pick, Antone began the 2019 season at Double-A Chattanooga before promoting to Triple-A Louisville after 13 starts for the Lookouts. While Antone isn’t as highly-touted as other pitchers within the organization, he has a lot of talent.

The Cincinnati Reds rotation appears to be set. With the addition of left-handed starter Wade Miley, the Reds have a talented group of starting pitchers ready to take the mound. Cy Young candidates Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray are joined by Trevor Bauer, and Anthony DeSclafani was among the Top 20 in the league in ERA and strikeouts last season.

So why all the hype around Antone when prospects like Packy Naughton, Tony Santillan and Vladimir Gutierrez rank higher in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline? It’s pretty simple, none of the aforementioned players have had close to the success that Antone has at the highest minor league level.

Naughton, who was a fantastic starter for Double-A Chattanooga last season, hasn’t made it to Triple-A yet, nor is part of the Reds 40-man roster. Naughton did not receive an invite to spring training either. Santillan struggles at Double-A last season, going 2-8 with a 4.84 ERA in 21 starts. As for Gutierrez, his jump from Double-A to Triple-A was not very smooth.

Antone missed all of the 2017 season following Tommy John surgery, but his performance last season helped cement his status as a prospect to keep an eye within the Reds organization. Tejay Antone may not be a household name yet, but strong showing in Triple-A to begin the season may help him warrant a September call-up or a spot start in 2020.

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