Reds 2025 Opening Day roster projection 2.0: Spencer Steer injury shakes up outfield

Unfortunately, injuries have become part of the story at Cincinnati Reds spring camp. Spencer Steer is dealing with a shoulder injury, and after receiving a cortisone shot, his status for Opening Day is questionable. The versatile infielder/ outfielder was (and maybe still is) expected to be a major part of Terry Francona's lineup this season.

There's a chance that Steer could be ready to go on March 27th against the San Francisco Giants, and even if he can't throw, the Reds could opt to use the 27-year-old as the team's exclusive DH. The Philadelphia Phillies took a similar approach with former MVP Bryce Harper.

Steer's lingering shoulder injury could have a domino effect on the rest of the Reds Opening Day roster. But Steer isn't the only Reds player who's questionable for Opening Day. Both Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder have been slowed this spring as well.

Reds 2025 Opening Day roster projection 2.0: Spencer Steer injury shakes up outfield

Reds infield (8)

• Gavin Lux
• Matt McLain
• Elly De La Cruz
• Tyler Stephenson
• Jeimer Candelario
• Santiago Espinal
• Jose Trevino
• Christian Encarnacion-Strand

Even if Steer is part of the Reds Opening Day roster, his injury will effectively put Encarnacion-Strand into the lineup. It remains to be seen who'll man first and third base in 2025, but with Steer out of the picture at the moment, it's a battle between Encarnacion-Strand, Candelario, and Lux.

Speaking of Lux, don't be surprised to see the former Los Angeles Dodgers' shortstop logging some time in the outfield. While he's set up shop at both second and third base this spring, Lux could be an option to sub in for Steer in left field. De La Cruz, McLain, Espinal, Stephenson, and Trevino are currently projected to be part of the Reds Opening Day roster as well.

Reds outfield (5)

• Jake Fraley
• TJ Friedl
• Stuart Fairchild
• Austin Hays
• Will Benson

You'll notice that Steer is not listed. While he could, in fact, be part of the Reds Opening Day roster without playing the field, that severely limits how Francona can exploit certain matchups. If Steer's not healthy enough to throw the ball, he may not be healthy enough to hit it either.

Steer's absence would effectively cement Fairchild's spot on the Reds Opening Day roster, and allow Benson to grab a foothold as well. Don't be shocked if Blake Dunn makes an impression in the coming weeks, and if Steer is indeed on the shelf to start the season, Dunn could offer Francona that extra right-handed bat.

Reds starting rotation (5)

• Hunter Greene
• Nick Lodolo
• Brady Singer
• Nick Martinez
• Graham Ashcraft

Just like Steer, Abbott's status for Opening Day is up in the air. Reports suggest that Abbott has made strides and could make a push to be part of the Reds Opening Day roster. But he's yet to throw in a Cactus League game, and one has wonder if/ when he'll be ready for in-game action.

The aforementioned Lowder won't be part of the equation either. Last year's rookie may well begin the year on the IL as he's still dealing with an elbow injury. With Abbott and Lowder out of the mix, look for the Reds to go with Ashcraft. Connor Phillips and Carson Spiers could make a run at the roster as well, but for now, look for Ashcraft to lock up the final spot in the Reds rotation.

Reds bullpen (8)

• Sam Moll
• Alexis Díaz
• Tony Santillan
• Brent Suter
• Emilio Pagán
• Taylor Rogers
• Scott Barlow
• Ian Gibaut

The Buck Farmer reunion did not come to fruition, but the Reds did sign a skilled back-of-the-bullpen reliever to take his place. Barlow has looked terrific this spring, and the Reds coaching staff have to love what they've seen from the right-hander thus far. Oddly enough, Díaz hasn't thrown a single pitch this spring, but he's still on track to be part of the Reds Opening Day roster.

Rogers, Suter and Moll form the three-headed left-handed monster that Francona can turn to this season, and Santillan has received some praise from his new skipper as well. Pagán is a lock to be part of the Reds Opening Day roster, but one player who's surprised this spring has been Gibaut. After being non-tendered this offseason, the Reds non-roster invitee has returned with a vengeance and has looked great in the early-going.

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