Cincinnati Reds: 3 non-roster invitees who’ll make Opening Day lineup

2. Cam Bedrosian, Reds right-handed pitcher

Outside of the starting shortstop position, the Reds biggest area of concern is likely the bullpen. With rosters sitting at 26 players heading into the 2021 season, I fell confident in saying that Cincinnati will likely head into Opening Day with at least eight relievers, and perhaps nine. Cam Bedrosian could be among them.

Taking a glance at the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster, I feel confident that at least six spots are assured among the relief corps. Amir Garrett and Lucas Sims will join Sean Doolittle in the back end with a Tejay Antone, Noé Ramirez, and José De León rounding out the other three spots.

That leaves two, and possibly three openings in the pen. Bedrosian will likely be in competition with the likes of Sal Romano and Jeff Hoffman for the final few spots. The group of Art Warren, Cionel Perez, Riley O’Brien, and Hector Perez all have minor-league options remaining, so unless they blow the coaching staff away, I’d expect all four to begin the season at Triple-A Louisville.

Cam Bedrosian is a seven-year veteran with a career-ERA of 3.70. Last season, in just 14 games, Bedrosian posted a 2.45 ERA and 2.92 FIP, his best numbers since his 45 appearances in 2016 with the Los Angeles Angels.

While Bedrosian’s velocity is about average according to Baseball Savant, his fastball spin is in the 75th percentile. Bedrosian is a three-pitch hurler who relies heavily on his fastball/ slider combination, but can mix in a splitter on occasion as well. I like Bedrosian’s chances of making the Opening Day roster in a bullpen filled with uncertainty.