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Cincinnati Reds: Three sleepers who could sneak onto the roster

By Drew Koch

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 18: Relief pitcher Justin Shafer #50 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 18: Relief pitcher Justin Shafer #50 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Reds
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 30: Matt Davidson #24 of the Chicago White Sox (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Davidson, Infielder

Most fans would agree that unless Matt Davidson can suit up as a shortstop, his chances of making the big league roster out of spring training are slim. But don’t be so quick to cast Davidson aside, as he possesses big-time power from the right side and put up solid numbers at Triple-A Nashville last season.

Davidson has never been short on power. For his career, the former first-round pick has a slugging percentage of .435. Unfortunately, Davidson’s career on-base percentage is only .295. That’s something that must improve during spring camp if Davidson has any hopes of making the Opening Day roster.

Formerly of the Chicago White Sox, Davidson put up mediocre numbers in 2014 and 2015 for Triple-A Charlotte. However, a breakthrough in 2016 got the front office’s attention and Davidson played over 240 games for Chicago from 2017 to 2018, putting up 46 homers and 130 RBIs.

Matt Davidson’s chances of making the 26-man roster will greatly increase in the event that Eugenio Suárez is unable to recover from surgery before Opening Day. The Reds third baseman sustained a shoulder injury while swimming.

In all likelihood, if Suárez is unable to go, Mike Moustakas will slide over to third base and a combination of Josh VanMeter and Alex Blandino will take over at second base. However, Cincinnati could also opt to put Davidson at the hot corner and keep Moose at second base. How the Reds handle Geno’s injury will help dictate Davidson’s standing on the team.

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