Cincinnati Reds: Alex Powers could slink onto Opening Day roster

Though he gave up a home run during Sunday’s spring opener, Alex Powers has a legitimate chance to make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster.

Alex Powers took over for Justin Shafer during the Cincinnati Reds spring opener against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Powers first batter was Seby Zavala, who took a 2-1 pitch over the right-center field wall and gave the White Sox a 3-0 lead. While that’s certainly not the first impression Powers wanted to make on the coaching staff, he has the skill to make the team.

Some fans probably have yet to hear the name Alex Powers. That’s understandable. Powers is a former 25th-round pick of those very same Chicago White Sox. Powers was selected with the 753rd overall pick in 2013. Not very many players who are taken that late in the draft process find their way onto a major league roster.

Last year, however, it was a toss up between Powers and fellow pitcher Joel Kuhnel when the latter’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Louisville on August 15th. Both Powers and Kuhnel were dominating out of the Bats bullpen at the time. Kuhnel went on to pitch in 11 games for the Reds last season. Powers is hoping to get his shot this year.

Nearly 28-years old, Powers has been in the minors for a long time. Since 2016, Powers has been part of the Reds organization, working all the way up from Advanced-A Daytona. Powers saw moderate success during his ascension, but really took off last season in stops at both Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.

Powers had a combined ERA of 1.64 in 40 appearances last year. Powers suffered an oblique injury, so he only pitched in 49.1 innings, but the right-hander still managed to strikeout 66 opposing hitters, recorded eight saves and allowed just three home runs.

Alex Powers is not a ground ball pitcher, in fact, he’s quite the opposite. Operating with a 3/4 delivery, Powers had a fly ball-rate of 57.1% according to FanGraphs. Still, Powers HR/9 was just 0.33 in 23 games at Triple-A Louisville and his strikeout-rate was still 28.0%.

Powers will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to land a spot on the Opening Day roster. The Cincinnati Reds bullpen is loaded, plus there’s a cluster of veterans and pitchers who are out of minor-league, all of whom are competing for a spot among the relief corps.

While it’s much more likely that fans will see Powers begin the 2020 season in the Louisville Bats bullpen this spring, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, he’ll get a chance to redeem himself tomorrow against the Los Angeles Angels. Powers, Tony Santillan and Josh Smith are all scheduled to pitch.