Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the Opening Day roster 2.0

Let’s try to predict the Reds 2021 Opening Day roster.

We’re two weeks from Opening Day and the outlook for the Cincinnati Reds roster may be more blurred than ever. In a surprising twist this week, David Bell decided to insert Eugenio Suárez as the team’s starting shortstop during Tuesday’s exhibition game versus the Colorado Rockies. How will injuries and Suárez’s position change affect the 26-man roster?

Though not entirely permanent, having the ability to deploy Suárez at shortstop gives Bell the opportunity to put his eight best hitters in the lineup. In addition to Suárez moving to shortstop, Bell shifted Mike Moustakas to the hot corner, a position the veteran has manned for years. That resulted in Jonathan India getting the start at second base. Is this a preview of things to come?

While it’s certainly possible, the absence of Joey Votto on Opening Day could greatly affect the Reds lineup. The six-time All-Star and former MVP is currently on the injured list after testing positive for COVID-19. Votto could return before Opening Day, but the possibility exists that Moustakas could see more time at first base rather than third base during the early stages of 2021.

Votto isn’t the only Reds player absent from the lineup. Shogo Akiyama will start the 2021 season on the IL, and Sonny Gray may as well. Tejay Antone left his last appearance and is currently day-to-day. Wade Miley suffered a hamstring injury earlier this spring, but made his last start. Lucas Sims and Amir Garrett have yet to appear this spring, but appear to be on their way back.

The Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup looks to be very fluid. The starting rotation has yet to be determined and the shortstop position is still a question mark. Let’s take a stab at what the 26-man roster will look like on April 1st.