Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the 28-man playoff roster

Reds relievers (10)

Raisel Iglesias, Archie Bradley, Michael Lorenzen, Lucas Sims, Amir Garrett, Tyler Mahle, Wade Miley, Tejay Antone, Robert Stephenson and Sal Romano

This will be the most interesting group of players among those on the 28-man playoff roster. Wade Miley and Tyler Mahle, both of whom have started several games this season, will now be part of the bullpen in this three-game series. It’s doubtful that Mahle will be called on outside replacing Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo or Sonny Gray should one of the starter run into trouble.

Miley, however, is likely to join Amir Garrett as the only left-handers in the Reds bullpen. Jesse Biddle is eligible for roster as well, but currently on the injured list. It’s highly unlikely he’ll return for the Wild Card Round. Look for Miley and Garrett to be the lone southpaws on Cincinnati’s playoff roster.

Archie Bradley, one of the Reds trade deadline acquisitions, will most certainly be on the roster. Bradley has proven to be quite valuable since coming over from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Michael Lorenzen, Lucas Sims and Raisel Iglesias will be key pieces out of the Reds bullpen if Cincinnati hopes to survive the opening round of the MLB Playoffs.

I think Tejay Antone has done more than enough to warrant a spot on the playoff roster. Like Mahle, Antone can go multiple innings in relief. Though he’s yet to perform up to his 2019 standards, I still think Robert Stephenson will be on the Reds postseason roster, as will fellow right-hander Sal Romano.

The one player missing from these Reds roster prediction is Anthony DeScalfani. Disco has fallen off a cliff of late, and hasn’t started a game since September 14th. DeSclafani allowed four hits and three runs during his relief appearance last night, and the Reds do not need a fourth starter for the Wild Card Series.