Cincinnati Reds: Three players in danger of being cut from 28-man roster

2. Matt Davidson, Reds utility infielder

We haven’t seen much of Matt Davidson this season, and that’s not all entirely his fault. Davidson landed on the injured list after one game, as, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, he tested positive according to an expedited diagnostic test, but said he tested negative on all tests afterward. Davidson was cleared by Major League Baseball to return last Friday.

Any rhythm that the former Chicago White Sox third baseman had hoped to develop during the first week of the season was shattered, and Davidson’s had just one hit in eight at-bats. That single in Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers did give Davidson his first and only RBI of the season.

Davidson offers a little bit of versatility with his ability to play corner infield positions. He also brings right-handed power to the lineup and would be a good replacement for Jesse Winker as the Reds DH when a left-handed pitcher is on the mound. Southpaws oftentimes give Winker trouble, and we’ve already seen David Bell turn to Davidson, Phillip Ervin and even Christian Colón in that scenario.

Matt Davidson was stopped in his tracks and held captive by MLB’s COVID-19 protocols. The league was just being overly cautious, which is understandable, but Davidson had been playing well during summer camp. There’s a chance Davidson survives and becomes part of the Reds 28-man roster, but he’s definitely on the short list of position players who could lose their spot.