Reassignment to minor league camp pushes this Reds player off Opening Day roster

The Cincinnati Reds have whittled down the number of players in major league camp to just 56 as Opening Day is a little over thee weeks away.

On Saturday, the Reds reassigned pitchers Levi Stoudt and Lyon Richardson to minor league camp. Joining those two will be Nick Solak, whom Cincinnati acquired from the Texas Rangers during the offseason.

This move doesn't eliminate Solak's chances of making the Reds Opening Day roster, but shifting a player from major league camp to minor league camp is typically a precursor to be designated for assignment or being optioned to Triple-A.

Reassignment to Reds minor league camp pushes Nick Solak off Opening Day roster.

Nick Solak was never a slam dunk to be part of the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day, but with Joey Votto out following shoulder surgery and three left-handed hitters in the outfield, Solak had a puncher's chance of making an impact and working his way onto the 26-man roster.

Solak was a bit of an insurance policy in the event that Nick Senzel was unable to go on Opening Day. This reassignment is also a signal that, as has been reported, Senzel is expected to return for Cactus League games next week.

Solak has the ability to play on the infield dirt and the outfield grass, but his defensive versatility was not enough to sway the coaching staff this spring. Solak has hit just .100 in 10 games this spring, though one of his two hits cleared the wall.

Nick Solak's demotion is great news for fans of Stuart Fairchild. A former second-round pick himself, Fairchild had a fine end to the 2022 season and is in the mix for a spot in the Cincinnati Reds outfield this spring. Depending on Senzel's health, Fairchild could be the biggest benefactor following Solak's reassignment.