Reds News: Nick Martinez's role defined, Graham Ashcraft's future, Spencer Steer

The Cincinnati Reds played three games over the past two days, and fans are itching to see who'll make the Opening Day roster with the start of the 2025 season a little more than a month away. This weekend's action gave a glimpse into the various roles that players are likely to assume once the season gets underway.

Saturday's split-squad games against the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Guardians saw nearly every player in Reds camp find some time on the field. Even several prospects like Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, and Chase Petty received some playing time during the first few days of Cactus League action.

Reds News: Nick Martinez slotted as a part of Cincy's starting rotation

Unsurprisingly, Reds manager Terry Francona said that he expects Nick Martinez to be part of the starting rotation once the 2025 season gets underway. “Oh, I think we certainly view him as a starter," Francona told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. "I know there’s some versatility there and he’s willing to do it, but bouncing guys around unless you have to is not what we’re shooting for.”

Martinez signed a $21.05 million qualifying offer this past offseason, and many Reds fans just assumed that the right-hander would be part of Cincinnati's rotation. But the Reds' minor-league depth and concerns about the bullpen raised questions about Martinez potentially being pushed into the relief corps. Francona put those concerns to bed on Sunday, and fans should expect the 34-year-old to be part of the Reds rotation when the season begins next month.

Reds News: Graham Ashcraft being stretched out as starter...for now

Graham Ashcraft, on the other hand, does not have defined role at this point in the spring. The right-hander took the ball for Cincinnati's split-squad game against the Brewers on Saturday and tossed two scoreless innings. For the moment, Ashcraft is being stretch out as a starter, but the Reds will use the rest of camp to decide what his role will be going forward.

Many have opined this offseason that a move to the bullpen would be prudent, and that may well be Ashcraft's role moving forward. According to reporter Mike Petraglia, Ashcraft's ultimate destination may not be known until some of the younger pitchers in Reds' camp are sent out.

Reds News: Spencer Steer to begin throwing on Monday

Rhett Lowder's setback caught Reds Country by surprise earlier this month, and Andrew Abbott is a bit behind the rest of the Cincinnati starters, but Spencer Steer hasn't been 100% healthy this spring either. The Reds' versatile infielder/ outfielder played through a shoulder injury last season and has yet to throw this spring.

But Steer will take the field on Monday with glove in hand. According to reports, Steer will begin a throwing program on Monday — presumably at first base — as the 27-year-old looks to find a regular spot in the Reds lineup. Steer had been limited to just DH since the start of spring camp.

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