Terry Francona makes surprising decision ahead of Reds spring training opener

The Cincinnati Reds will take the field for their Cactus League opener on Saturday. But the schedule makers tossed a monkey wrench into the equation with the Reds playing two games on the same day. Cincinnati will play a split-squad game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark while at the same time half the roster will face off against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields in Phoenix.

But in a bit of a twist, new Reds manager Terry Francona will accompany the 'road' team on their trip to battle the Brewers, while bench coach Freddie Benavides will stay behind in Goodyear to captain the squad who'll be taking on the Guardians.

Francona explained that he didn't want to have a "hug fest" with his old club and wanted to be sure that his new team understands that he's part of the Reds organization now. According to Cincinnati reporter Mike Petraglia, Francona said, "I want these guys to know how important they are. I'm a f------ Red and so I'm gonna go over to Maryvale.”

Reds manager Terry Francona skips out on spring training opener vs. Guardians

If you don't love that type of response from Francona, you don't have a pulse. He could have just as easily stayed put in Goodyear, glad-handed with all his former players, and had a good old-fashioned exhibition game against the franchise that he managed for over a decade. But instead, Tito is showing his new team that he's got their backs.

With Francona taking his half of the roster to Maryville, the new Reds skipper will be keeping a close eye on Graham Ashcraft. The right-hander drew the surprising start versus the Brewers and will be followed by Luis Mey, Chase Petty, Lyon Richardson, Alex Young, and Yosver Zulueta.

According to Reds reporter Charlie Goldsmith, the other squad will be anchored by Hunter Greene. The Reds' ace will be followed by Ian Gibaut, Connor Phillips, Taylor Rogers, Bryan Shaw, and Lenny Torres Jr.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors