3 biggest winners, 2 biggest losers from Reds Opening Day

Reds biggest Opening Day winner: Spencer Steer

Something strange struck me when watching the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. There's been a lot of talk all spring about prospects like Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Matt McLain. But no one seems to be talking about Spencer Steer.

In fact, with so much depth on the infield dirt, it's almost as if Steer is acting as a placeholder at third base until either Nick Senzel is healthy, Encarnacion-Strand gets called up, or Noelvi Marte is ready for The Show.

Steer was Cincinnati's best hitter on Opening Day. The 25-year-old rookie went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and a home run. After trailing 4-1 heading into the fourth inning, Steer put one in the left-center field bleachers and cut the Reds deficit to only two.

Spencer Steer is no slouch defensively. For all the talk of how poorly the former Minnesota Twins prospect had performed on the field during spring, his athletic play that saved a run in the fourth inning helped squash the Pirates rally.

Steer was able to navigate his throw to catcher Tyler Stephenson around the crafty running of Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds and secure the second out of the inning. Steer had a great all-around game on Thursday afternoon.