3 Reds who made the Opening Day roster but shouldn't have a long leash

2. Reds RHP Connor Overton shouldn't have a long leash.

Were it not for Luke Weaver's injury, Connor Overton would probably be pitching alongside Chase Anderson, Levi Stoudt, and Brandon Williamson in Louisville to begin the 2023 season. But, Weaver's forearm injury forced David Bell's hand and the right-hander will be the Reds No. 4 starter in 2023.

Unless Overton is able to duplicate the numbers fans saw in 2022 before landing on the IL with a back injury, the 29-year-old is unlikely to remain in the rotation for very long. To say Overton looked shaky during spring training would be kind.

Overton pitched in four games, covered over 11 innings, and recorded 10 strikeouts. That's the good news. The bad news is that he also posted an ERA of 15.43, a WHIP of 2.49, and allowed 23 runs on 26 hits including six gopher balls.

According to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, Overton was taken deep in back-to-back at-bats by Jonathan India and Stuart Fairchild in Wednesday's scrimmage. That's great news for India and Fairchild, but not so much for Overton.

Connor Overton isn't a high-velocity pitcher, but that doesn't mean he can't be an effective starter. However, if he's not hitting his spots, it's going to be long day for the bullpen because Overton won't last three innings. Too many short outings will cost him dearly, so Overton will be on a short leash despite breaking camp with the big league squad.