Final prediction for the Cincinnati Reds 2022 Opening Day roster

Cincinnati Reds starting rotation (4)

Tyler Mahle (RHP), Vladimir Gutierrez (RHP), Reiver Sanmartin (LHP), Hunter Greene (RHP)

A four-man rotation? Are you kidding me?! Whoa, hold your horses. It's not what you think. Yes, the Cincinnati Reds will enter the 2022 season with a four-man starting rotation, but it won't last long. This is a strategic move on the part of David Bell and the Reds front office.

Tyler Mahle will be the Reds Opening Day starter on Thursday April 7th in Atlanta. Then Reiver Sanmartin will get the ball on Friday, Vladimir Gutierrez will take the hill on Saturday, and Hunter Greene will make his major league debut on Sunday.

After that, the Reds have an off day. Mahle will get toe the rubber for Cincinnati's home opener versus the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, April 12th, and then the Reds will send the fifth starter to the mound to wrap up the brief two-game set with their in-state rival.

In all likelihood, Nick Lodolo will make his major league debut next Wednesday versus the Guardians. But, since Lodolo has yet to selected to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster, it gives Bell and coaching staff a little more flexibility for the first several games of the 2022 season.

By the time the Reds head out west to begin their road trip, the starting rotation will consist of five pitchers. The bigger question will come once Luis Castillo and Mike Minor return to the active roster. Which two pitchers will return to the minors or be moved to the bullpen? We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.