Reds: Dismissing Noe Ramirez paves the way for this player
Some fans are going to criticize to release of Noé Ramirez because the notion is that the Cincinnati Reds traded away Raisel Iglesias for nothing more than a minor league shortstop. While there’s some truth to that, moving on from Ramirez paves the way for Braden Shipley to make the Opening Day roster.
This is the type of move that is honestly encouraging to me. Much like Dee Strange-Gordon, Ramirez is the type of player that the Reds would have historically hung onto because of their major league experience. We’ve seen it with Scott Schebler, Zach Duke, and others in recent years. But this go-around feels a little different.
Braden Shipley will make the Reds Opening Day roster.
Releasing Noé Ramirez opens up a spot on the Reds 40-man roster. With Jonathan India in need a spot, as well as the likely additions of Cam Bedrosian and Tyler Naquin, Cincinnati will need to clear three spots. If the Reds wish to add Braden Shipley to the roster, a fourth transaction must take place as well.
Moving Brandon Bailey, who underwent Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day injured list is the easiest move Cincinnati’s front office will make. Kyle Holder, a Rule 5 draft pick, seems unlikely to make the team and will likely be offered back to the New York Yankees.
Finally, former starting pitcher Sal Romano hasn’t been impressive enough this spring. Big Sally has posted a 6.48 ERA through eight games and has a 2.04 WHIP to go along with 11 punch outs. Romano is out of options, and is teetering on the edge on the roster. I look for Cincinnati to release the 27-year-old in the coming days.
Those three moves, in conjunction with Ramirez’s recent dismissal, will pave the way for Shipley to join the Opening Day roster. Had Michael Lorenzen reminded healthy during camp, I believe that spot in the bullpen would’ve gone to Jose De Leon. But with Lorenzen set to begin the season on the IL, De Leon will join the starting rotation.
Noé Ramirez has been a solid major league reliever for several years. Last season, the 31-yaer-old posted a 3.00 ERA over 21 innings of work with 14 strikeouts. His previous two seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, however, saw the right-hander put up a 4.29 ERA and Ramirez was off to rough start with a 9.00 ERA over six innings this spring.
Braden Shipley offers the Reds flexibility.
There’s obviously the chance, with so many players receiving their walking papers, that the Cincinnati Reds will scour the waiver wire and check on a few recently released relievers. But, if no one interests the Reds brass, look for Shipley to grab that last spot in the Cincinnati bullpen.
Shipley gives the Reds flexibility in their bullpen; something GM Nick Krall has placed a point of emphasis on. Shipley has one minor-league option remaining, meaning Cincinnati can yo-yo the right-hander up and down between the big leagues and Triple-A Louisville.
Heath Hembree is another name to keep an eye on. Though he’s out of minor-league options, the right-hander has played well this spring. That being said, Hembree has yet to pitch in a game for the Cincinnati Reds after being let go by the Cleveland Indians.