This pitcher will most likely be DFA'd when Nick Lodolo is added to the Reds roster

The Cincinnati Reds have some business to attend to today. With Nick Lodolo scheduled to start for the first time in the big leagues, weather permitting, a few transactions will have to made in order to add the left-hander to the Reds 40-man roster.

David Bell has four starters and 11 relievers. Before the Reds broke camp in Goodyear, Bell spoke about Wednesday being the day for the team to reduce the bullpen to 10 pitchers and add the fifth starter to the rotation.

The fifth starter, we now know, is Lodolo. So, which of the relievers is most likely to be sent back to the minors and which player on the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster is most likely to be designated for assignment.

Reds RHP Riley O'Brien could be DFA'd today.

First, let's look at which Cincinnati Reds reliever is likely to receive some unfortunate news today. One would assume, after taking the ball in the ninth inning yesterday, Daniel Duarte may be the odd man out. The rookie went two-thirds of an inning yesterday, and allowed two runs on one base knock with that hit being a home run.

Duarte was impressive in his first outing, and has two punch outs in 1.2 innings of work. But the harsh reality is that the right-hander has three minor league options remaining and will likely be shuttled between Great American Ball Park and Louisville Slugger Field early and often in 2022.

The Reds could place Tommy Pham on the 10-day Injured List. The Reds left fielder collided with Nick Senzel in the outfield while both players were tracking a pop up. Pham and Senzel stayed in the game, but Pham eventually left with what's being described as a hand injury. Pham is listed and day-to-day, but expected to return to the lineup as early as today.

Now let's look at which Reds player is most likely to lose his spot on the 40-man roster. This really comes down to one question; who do the Reds feel they can pass through waivers and outright to Triple-A Louisville?

In all likelihood, we're likely to see a player who's currently on the Cincinnati 40-man roster, but not part of the major league squad. Both right-handed pitchers Jared Solomon and James Marinan have flashed potential, though Marinan, at 23 years old, has yet to pitch above High-A.

On the position player side of things, you have Alejo Lopez and Mark Kolozsvary. It's hard to see the Redlegs cutting ties with either, as Lopez is the only infielder at Triple-A who's part of the 40-man roster and Kolozsvary is the only other backstop.

Sadly, I think we're going to see the Cincinnati Reds designate right-hander Riley O'Brien for assignment today. O'Brien made his big league debut last season, and while he was in competition for a spot in the Reds rotation this spring, his ultimate destination may be the bullpen.

The 27-year-old has appeared in one game for Triple-A Louisville this season, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out four batters. If O'Brien survives waivers, the Reds will likely outright him back to Triple-A in order for the right-hander to continue his development.