Cincinnati Reds: Three things to watch for on Opening Day

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GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – MARCH 29: Jonathan India #71 of the Cincinnati Reds gets ready to make a play. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

The Cincinnati Reds begin a fresh season with the promise of new additions, questions facing the rotation and the lineup, and much more. The Reds are coming off a 2020 campaign that saw a return to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Despite the losses of Archie Bradley and Cy Young-winner Trevor Bauer in free agency, there were a few additions and surprises coming out of spring training that will lead for an interesting season as this team looks to build on its identity.

In a division that is always tough, no matter the season, the Reds don’t get any handouts as they face their division rival St. Louis Cardinals to get things started. Here are three things to watch for this opening series.

1. Reds second baseman Jonathan India will make his MLB debut.

The first thing fans might notice when looking at this team are that sluggers Eugenio Suárez and Mike Moustakas are playing new positions. Suárez will now be manning shortstop and Moustakas will occupy the hot corner. This move, along with the release of Dee Strange-Gordon earlier, was made to make way for the arrival of rookie, Jonathan India.

Coming off of an impressive spring, which ended with a .313 batting average, three home runs, and seven RBIs over just 22 games, India also posted a slugging percentage of .604 and an OPS of 1.045. Bringing India into the fold keeps the infield intact and adds an impact bat to the lineup.

Jonathan India, in spring training vs right-handed pitchers, posted a .552 SLG % and a .946 OPS. This will be something to watch for the entire season, but especially this first series as he will face Jack Flaherty and a stingy Cardinals bullpen.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 18: Jesse Winker #33 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a three run home run. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Reds outfielder Jesse Winker batting leadoff.

With Shogo Akiyama starting the season on the IL due to a hamstring injury, the Reds are likely to try a new approach by letting outfielder Jesse Winker headline the order. Instead of the normal game plan of speed at the top of the order, David Bell is likely to go with the team’s leader in on-base percentage (.388) from 2020.

This decision to go with Winker over a more athletic player like Nick Senzel is being made strictly on the idea of having a player with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order. This is a skill, in today’s game, which is much more valuable than a stolen base.

During the abbreviated 2020 season, Winker had career highs in almost all offensive categories, particularly on-base percentage and slugging percentage (.544) and OPS (.932). The Cardinals will send out right-hander Jack Flaherty on Thursday.

For his career against Flaherty, Winker is 3-for-10 with a pair of doubles and a home run versus the Cardinals’ ace. Winker has also drawn two walks in his career against Flaherty, which brings his on-base percentage up to .412 versus the 25-year-old. If Winker can continue to get on base at a high rate, it will allow for Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, and Eugenio Suárez to have more RBI opportunities.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Amir Garrett (50) follows through on a delivery. /

3. How will the Reds bullpen hold up?

With usual starter Sonny Gray out with a back injury, and pitcher Michael Lorenzen questionable with a right shoulder injury, the Reds have 2019 Opening Day starter Luis Castillo lined up to face the Cardinals on Thursday. But who might David Bell turn to once Castillo reaches his limit?

While Castillo has shown the ability to go the distance, coming out of Goodyear having only thrown in 9.1 innings during Cactus League play. The bullpen has plenty of arms to bridge innings together, and for the first time since becoming manager Bell now has multiple closer options.

We could see Tejay Antone, along with new additions Cam Bedrosian and Cionel Pérez make appearances from the fifth inning on. The Reds will also have former starting pitcher Sal Romano. Jose De Leon may be an option if necessary, but with Lorenzen and Gray on the IL, De Leon is being counted on as starter.

Finishing up with the potential of Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims or Sean Doolittle to close things out, Bell has options. Garrett locked hitters down this spring, retiring the first nine batters he faced via strikeout. Sims was held out for most of spring, but looked healthy of late. Doolittle was the Reds lone major-league free agent signee this winter.

As the 2021 season kicks off and progresses, the Reds will be constantly tinkering with the lineup and also the rotation. This team is no stranger to making odd combinations work and having contributions from names you’ve never heard from.

Next. 5 Reds players most likely to break out

Facing a St. Louis Cardinals team that will compete for, and potentially win, the division is a challenging test to start the season. Hopefully the Cincinnati Reds pass with flying colors and begin the 2021 season 1-0.

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