Cincinnati Reds: Predicting 30-man roster with summer camp underway

Reds starting rotation (5)

Luis Castillo (RHP), Sonny Gray (RHP), Trevor Bauer (RHP), Wade Miley (LHP), Anthony DeSclafani (RHP)

Much like the starting lineup, unless one of the projected starters incurs an injury, don’t expect these five names to change. Since the Reds signed Wade Miley to a two-year deal this offseason, the rotation has essentially been set. While Tyler Mahle and Lucas Sims may gain a spot start, the quintet of hurlers is ready to go.

The most surprising aspect of the starting rotation since our last projection was the announcement that Sonny Gray will be the Cincinnati Reds starter on Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers. While some fans may have suspected Luis Castillo was shoe-in to be Cincinnati’s No. 1 starter, Gray outperformed La Piedra in some key categories last season.

Castillo’s changeup is virtually unmatched. No pitcher in baseball possesses that level of confidence in their off-speed pitch the way Castillo does. The right-hander went to his bread-and-butter 32.4% of the time according to FanGraphs. Castillo led the team in strikeouts in 2019 and was Top 10 in the league in that category as well.

Gray, however, was no slouch, and bested Castillo in ERA, home runs allowed and walks surrendered. Gray was the correct choice to be named the Opening Day starter, meaning he’ll be followed by Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley and finally Anthony DeSclafani. The Reds, on paper, have on of the best starting rotations in the league.