Cincinnati Reds: Who would grab the final spot in a six-man rotation?

Will the Reds go with six starting pitchers in 2021?

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell floated a very interesting idea as the team descended upon Goodyear, Arizona on Wednesday. According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds may employ a six-man rotation during the 2021 season. So who which pitcher would grab the final spot?

It’s no wonder Trevor Bauer left, right? Last year’s Cy Young Award-winner was looking for a team that would allow him to pitch every fourth day, but the Reds may be looking to send their starters out to the mound every sixth day. It’s certainly an interesting concept, and honestly sounds like something the Tampa Bay Rays would attempt to do.

The top three spots in the Cincinnati rotation are set. We know that Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, and Tyler Mahle will occupy the front-half of the starting rotation. But, if Bell decides to go with six starters, who will the final three pitchers be?

Wade Miley is being paid like a starter, and unless he greatly regresses during spring training, I’d expect the lefty to be in the starting rotation. Michael Lorenzen has had the inside track all offseason on the No. 5 starter job and he’s entering spring camp with his eye on the rotation, not the bullpen.

So, with one spot remaining, which Cincinnati hurler is most likely to land the gig as the team’s sixth starting pitcher? There are plenty of candidates to choose from, but only three really make any sense. It’s doubtful that Hunter Greene is in the mix, though the flamethrower will be in camp. Let’s take a look at the three most likely pitchers to occupy the No. 6 spot in the rotation.