3 Reds players who will become roster casualties on MLB cut-down day

3. Reds RHP Connor Overton will become a roster casualty on cut-down day.

This one may surprise some people, but don't be shocked if Connor Overton is not part of the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster come cut-down day. Overton was not part of the Reds 40-man roster last season, but had success when called upon after a rash of injuries befell the Cincinnati starting rotation.

Overton got the call after Luis Castillo, Mike Minor, and Nick Lodolo were all sidelined with injury in 2022. Overton showed grit in his first four starts of last season and was also able to locate his pitches consistently. Overton went 1-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his first four starts.

A back injury then landed Overton on the 60-day IL and the right-hander did not return until the end of September. After missing so much time, the Reds were unable to stretch Overton out in order to get him back into the starting rotation and instead opted to use him as a reliever twice near the end of the season.

Entering spring training, Overton was thought to be in line for one of the two remaining spots in the Cincinnati Reds rotation. Overton has struggled early and there is enough competition among pitchers like Luis Cessa, Luke Weaver, and top pitching prospect Brandon Williamson to surmise that Overton may be the odd man out.

If Connor Overton doesn't break camp as part of the starting rotation, David Bell may opt for veterans like Hunter Strickland and Chase Anderson over last year's rookie. Overton does have minor league options remaining, but will the team use a 40-man roster spot on a 29-year-old pitcher who's shown to be little more than a fringe major leaguer throughout his career as a professional?