Cincinnati Reds: Three forgotten players fighting for a roster spot

1. Joel Kuhnel, Right-handed pitcher

The bullpen has some fierce competition. With five of the spots in the pen locked up, three remain, and that number could even be whittled down to two if Lucas Sims is considered safe. Joel Kuhnel didn’t seem much time in the majors last season, but the hefty right-hander has the makeup to be a nice option late in games.

Kuhnel throws hard. His fastball sits in the upper-90s and it’s never surprising to see it touch triple digits. Kuhnel combined for a 2.18 ERA between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville last season. The problem for Kuhnel might be that his role is already filled, as his stuff profiles well for the back of the bullpen.

The backend of the Reds bullpen is loaded with talent. Raisel Iglesias, Robert Stephenson, Amir Garrett, Pedro Strop and Michael Lorenzen all figure to get lots of work from the seventh inning on. That’s the prime spot in the game when Kuhnel’s talents would be most valuable.

Currently ranked No. 22 in the Reds farm system according to MLB Pipeline, with three minor-league options remaining, it’s highly likely we’ll Kuhnel start the season at Triple-A Louisville with the chance to join the Reds should an injury befall one of the Cincinnati relievers.

Kuhnel saw 11 games in the big leagues last season, putting up a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 inning pitched. This spring, Kuhnel has allowed just two hits in five appearances and hasn’t seen a runner cross the plate. We’ll likely see Joel Kuhnel later this season, but it’s doubtful he’ll make the Opening Day roster.