Predicting the 2023 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup

Opening Day is here, Reds Country! While some finishing touches still need to be made before the team takes the field this afternoon, for all intents and purposes, the 2023 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster is set.

Joey Votto and Nick Senzel will begin the season on the Injured List, but both are expected to return to the team in short order after a rehab assignment in Triple-A Louisville. There's also a number of relievers who'll start 2023 on the IL.

So who might Reds manager David Bell run out on Opening Day? The one name we know who'll be on the field this afternoon is Hunter Greene. Last year's rookie was named the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day starter. But who else will be penciled in Bell's lineup card?

Predicting the 2023 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup.

Thursday's forecast looks very nice for the final week of March in Cincinnati. The only dark cloud hanging over Great American Ball Park will the Jolly Roger flag of the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.

The last time the Pirates visited Cincinnati on Opening Day the Reds fans went home happy. Shortstop Jose Iglesias had himself a day and newcomer Derek Dietrich launched a three-run, pinch-hit bomb into the right-center field seats. The hometown crowd went crazy and the Reds won by a final of 5-3.

As of Thursday morning, the Reds have yet to set their 26-man roster. Three non-roster invitees (Jason Vosler, Derek Law, and Alex Young) are likely to be added. With Tejay Antone and Justin Dunn headed for the 60-day IL, at least one more player must be removed from the 40-man roster prior to today's game.

Right-hander Mitch Keller will take the ball for the Pittsburgh Pirates today, so David Bell will undoubtedly counter that with a left-handed heavy lineup. With Votto out, look for Jason Vosler to take over at first base. Wil Myers could serve as the first baseman as well.

Look for Bell to employ three more left-handed bats in TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley. Jonathan India will surely hit in the leadoff spot while Tyler Stephenson will bat cleanup.

It's been a tight competition all spring between Jose Barrero and Kevin Newman, but the former top infield prospect has done enough to warrant the start on Opening Day. That said, Barrero will surely be hitting in the bottom-third of the lineup.

First pitch is slated for 4:10 PM ET, so get out to the ballpark early and enjoy the sights and sounds of Opening Day in Cincinnati. Buckle up, Reds Country! It's going to be an entertaining season of Cincinnati Reds baseball.