Reds news: Former pitcher Anthony DeSclafani opposes Cincinnati today

The Cincinnati Reds will face a familiar face in today’s Cactus League game against the San Francisco Giants. Anthony DeSclafani will be on the bump for the Giants while Noé Ramirez will take the ball for the Reds.

DeSclafani, originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011, found his way to the Cincinnati Reds by way of trade from the Miami Marlins back in 2014. Disco was shipped to the Queen City, along with Chad Wallach, in exchange for former right-hander Mat Latos.

Anthony DeSclafani will start opposite the Reds during Sunday’s contest.

Anthony DeSclafani will be making his first start of the spring, as will Cincinnati’s starting pitcher Noé Ramirez. The Reds’ right-hander, however, has seen action thus far in Cactus League play. Appearing in two games, Ramirez is 0-1 with two strikeouts and an ERA of 18.00. Ramirez is likely to find a home in the bullpen heading into 2021.

DeSclafani’s 2020 campaign did not start off as the New Jersey native would’ve liked. An injury kept DeSclafani off the Opening Day roster and allowed Tyler Mahle a chance to shine. Disco never got going last season, appearing in nine games, the 30-year-old registered a 7.22 ERA and 1.693 WHIP.

Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama could make spring debut today.

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer, David Bell foresees outfielder Shogo Akiyama be available for today’s game versus the San Francisco Giants. Akiyama unexpectedly left camp last week and flew home to Cincinnati.

Akiyama left camp after his wife was seriously injured in an accident involving a fallen tree. Per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Akiyama’s wife was struck in the head while walking on a park trail and was bleeding. She was transported by a medical helicopter to a local hospital.

Akiyama’s wife is on the mend and Shogo is back in Goodyear. This is a big year for the Japanese outfielder who got things going in the right direction toward the end of last season. Akiyama will be rotation with fellow outfielders Jesse Winker and Nick Senzel.