Top Reds prospect set to begin 2024 at Triple-A after latest round of roster cuts
The Cincinnati Reds have made some additional roster cuts with just over two weeks remaining until Opening Day. Among those cut from major league camp on Wednesday was Connor Phillips, one of the Reds top pitching prospects. Phillips was reassigned to minor league camp along with several others.
Phillips had been one of the Reds best starting pitcher this spring. The right-hander appeared in three Cactus League games this spring and didn't allow a single run to dent the plate. Phillips struck out five batters, but did walk three as well. Phillips will now begin the 2024 season at Triple-A, but is only an injury or poor performance away from making it back to The Show.
Along with Phillips, the Reds also reassigned infielders Erik Gonzalez and Mark Matthias, as well as outfielders Bubba Thompson and Conner Capel.
Top Reds prospect, Connor Phillips, set to begin 2024 at Triple-A after latest round of roster cuts
These latest round of Reds roster cuts aren't overly surprising. After Cincinnati added Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez during the offseason, Phillips' chances of being part of the Reds Opening Day rotation took a major hit.
Though Nick Lodolo is still unlikely to begin the season on the active roster, the Reds still have Montas, Martinez, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, and Brandon Williamson all battling to be part of the Reds Opening Day roster.
In addition to Phillips, Thompson was the only other player reassigned on Wednesday who's also part of the Reds 40-man roster. Thompson had bounced around to several different organizations this offseason, and eventually rejoined the Reds.
Thompson, a speedy outfielder who can play multiple positions, adds some additional depth at Triple-A and will join the likes of Rece Hinds and Jacob Hurtubise, both of whom were already reassigned earlier this spring.
After waiving Jose Barrero last weekend, the Reds 40-man roster is currently at 39. With Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension set to begin once the 2024 season starts, the Reds will have two vacancies to fill prior to Opening Day.