Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the Opening Day roster 2.0

Reds relievers (8)

Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims, José De León, Sean Doolittle, Cionel Pérez, Cam Bedrosian, Jesse Biddle, Jeff Hoffman

The competition for the final few spots on the Cincinnati Reds roster will come down to a few bullpen arms. The competition for the team’s closer has yet to commence this spring, as both Amir Garrett and Lucas Sims have been sidelined to this point. Both are expected to pitch very soon and are on track for Opening Day.

José De León has been solid during spring training and may be in the running for spot in the Reds rotation. Ultimately, I think the right-hander finds a home in the bullpen as David Bell’s go-to guy when his starter struggles.

Jeff Hoffman could be used in a similar role to De León, and has an outside chance to make the starting rotation as well. Hoffman came up as a starting pitcher with the Colorado Rockies, but his ineffectiveness led to his demotion and eventual trade to Cincinnati.

A pair of lefties have been impressive this spring. Cionel Pérez and Jesse Biddle have been lights out. Biddle is non-roster invitee, so a spot on the 40-man roster would have to open up, and Cincinnati can easily create the space by placing Brandon Bailey on the 60-day IL following his Tommy John surgery.

Sean Doolittle was the Reds lone major league free agent signing, and Cam Bedrosian gives Cincinnati a veteran right-hander to plug in at the back of the bullpen. Sal Romano, Art Warren, and even Brandon Finnegan have a chance to make the roster as well, but I think they’ll fail to make the cut.