5 Reds players who won't be on the roster by May 1

4. Stuart Fairchild will not be on the Reds roster by May 1st.

Seeing as how Stuart Fairchild was optioned to minor-league camp and then recalled on Opening Day, the former second-round pick seems like the most likely outfielder to be optioned before May 1st.

Joey Votto and Nick Senzel will be back soon. When that happens, two position players will need to be optioned or designated for assignment. The aforementioned Jose Barrero and Jason Vosler are both candidates, and if Will Benson doesn't right the ship, his name could be on that shortlist too.

Benson had a rough go of it on Opening Day. Donning the dreaded golden sombrero, Benson struck out four times and looked lost at the plate. For as much heat as Barrero catches, Benson looked even worse during the first game of the season.

Fairchild and Benson have a similar style of play. Both have plenty of power and speed, and both are able to field all three spots on the outfield grass. But Benson's left-handed swing might keep on the roster if it's a coin flip.

David Bell is likely to give starts to Will Benson when there's a right-handed pitcher on the bump. With that being the case, Stuart Fairchild might not get enough playing time at the outset of the season. Look for the 27-year-old to be optioned to Louisville by May 1st.