Reds make multiple moves after finalizing Opening Day roster

The Cincinnati Reds finalized their Opening Day roster on Wednesday, but shook things up ahead of their game against the Washington Nationals. The Reds have picked up Yosver Zulueta off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and reportedly re-signed Mike Ford.

Zulueta was never able to stick as a starter in the Blue Jays organization, as command issues kept the right-hander from reaching his full potential. Zulueta has yet to make his major league debut and was optioned to Triple-A Louisville upon being picked up by the Redlegs.

Ford, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, is back in Cincinnati on a minor-league deal. Many Reds fans were upset when Ford was let go at the end of spring training. The former Seattle Mariners slugger appeared to have done enough to have his contract selected and be part of the Reds Opening Day roster.

Reds make multiple moves after finalizing Opening Day roster

Zulueta will add some increased depth to the Reds relief corps. Cincinnati has Casey Legumina down at Triple-A as well, but the trio of Carson Spiers, Lyon Richardson, and Christian Roa will likely be part of the Louisville Bats starting rotation. The Reds also placed relievers Alex Young, Ian Gibaut, and Sam Moll on the 15-day IL prior to the start of the 2024 season.

In his three minor league seasons, Zulueta owns a 3.91 ERA in 67 games. The 26-year-old spent 45 games at Triple-A Buffalo in 2023 and struck out 73 batters. He also walked 45, which is an area of Zulueta's game that the Reds coaching staff will undoubtedly work to correct.

Ford will likely be the first bat recalled from Louisville if the Reds get in a pinch. Ford posted a 1.213 OPS this spring while part of the Reds roster. The 31-year-old also mashed three round-trippers while hitting .455 in 10 spring games.

Though Ford is on a minor-league deal, the Reds placed Matt McLain on the 60-day IL in order to add Zulueta to the 40-man roster. McLain is out of action following shoulder surgery and is expected to miss a good chunk of the 2024 season.

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