2 Reds players who've hurt their cause during the WBC and 1 who's helped it

Reds RHP Luis Cessa hurt his cause while playing in the WBC.

Team Mexico may have won their quarterfinal game against Puerto Rico on Friday night, but that's not going to help Luis Cessa's cause in his quest to rejoin the Cincinnati Reds rotation in 2023.

Cessa was in line to be part of the Reds rotation once camp opened in February. One could argue that the veteran had the inside track to the No. 4 starter before he joined Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

But a lack of innings pitched is sure to land the right-hander in the Reds bullpen to begin the season. Cessa has appeared in just one game during the World Baseball Classic despite the fact that Mexico has advanced to the semifinals.

Cessa has logged just two innings pitched and allowed two hits and one run while recording one punch out. Meanwhile, Luke Weaver, Connor Overton, and Brandon Williamson have been jockeying for those final two spots in the Reds rotation.

This time away from Goodyear is not going to help Luis Cessa's case for making the Reds starting rotation. The 30-year-old will almost assuredly be given a spot in the Cincinnati bullpen, which may actually be of benefit to the Reds.

While Weaver has experience as a reliever, Cincinnati would prefer to keep both Williamson and Overton in the rotation. The final week of spring training may decide which pitcher begins the season in Triple-A and which pitcher grabs the spot as the team's fifth starter.