3 Reds who are about to lose their 40-man roster spots

Sal Romano, Reds relief pitcher

Coming into camp, I really thought Sal Romano had a chance to make the team. The big right-hander has failed to impress and other relievers have stepped up their game this spring. Romano has been part of the Reds organization since 2015, but his luck may have finally run out.

It’s a numbers game, really. The Reds are likely to carry eight relief pitcher into Opening Day. With Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, Sean Doolittle, and Noé Ramirez locks for the 2021 Reds’ bullpen, that leaves just four openings. With Sonny Gray likely to being the season on the IL, one of the group of José De León, Jeff Hoffman, and Tejay Antone are likely to be moved into the rotation.

However, Romano would still be behind the likes of Cionel Pérez, Jesse Biddle, Cam Bedrosian, and even Brandon Finnegan. Romano has allowed seven hits through 4.1 innings of work and struck out four batters while also walking four. Those numbers aren’t enough to justify his standing on the 40-man roster.

Romano was, at one time, thought to be on his way to becoming a successful starting pitcher in the majors. Romano started 16 games in 2017, posting a 4.45 ERA in his rookie season and a 101 ERA+.

Unfortunately, the following season was Sal Romano’s undoing, as the right-hander surrendered 23 long balls and was eventually removed from the starting rotation. Romano is one of five Reds pitchers who is out of minor league options.