Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the roster with Opening Day three weeks away

Infielders (6)

Joey Votto, Eugenio Suárez, Mike Moustakas, Freddy Galvis, Kyle Farmer and Derek Dietrich

Mike Moustakas, Joey Votto and Freddy Galvis are a lock to make the 26-man roster out of camp. Eugenio Suárez, if healthy, will man the hot corner on Opening Day. Geno injured his shoulder in a swimming pool accident earlier this offseason. Suárez has yet to see the field, but is preparing as though he’ll be ready to be in the lineup against the Cardinals on March 26th.

Galvis, who missed the first couple of Cactus League games due to shoulder soreness, has seen action as the designated hitter in two games and is 2-for-4 with a double. Galvis will be the Reds starting shortstop, but there is concern about depth at the position behind Galvis.

That’s where Kyle Farmer comes in. The 29-year-old has seen action at shortstop during spring camp and even had a couple starts at the position during the early-going. A former shortstop in college, if Farmer is able to hold his own at the position, it’ll allow David Bell a bit more flexibility with the rest of his roster.

We’re going to give the final spot among the infielders to Derek Dietrich for the time being. After ending last season with a .187 batting average, Dietrich had offseason shoulder surgery and was signed to a minor-league deal a couple weeks ago. Dietrich went 1-for-2 in Monday’s game with 3 RBIs. The 30-year-old beings power and versatility to the Reds lineup.

Some other players who’ll be in the mix are Alex Blandino, Josh VanMeter and Matt Davidson. The most impressive infielder thus far has been shortstop Jose Garcia, who’s blasted three homers in 12 at-bats. The 21-year-old is still at least a year away from making an impact in the big leagues, but he’ll certainly be a player to watch on the Reds minor-league circuit.