GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Following the latest round of Reds Spring Training cuts, there are 42 players left in camp, with no shockers among the transactions to this point. There have been only a few roles up for grabs, but no major decisions have been made with just under two weeks left before camp breaks.
This is when the roster battles begin to intensify as the club gets closer to setting a 26-man roster for Opening Day on March 26. Here's a look at where things stand as of Monday.
Back of rotation
When camp started, it was a four-way battle for the rotation's fifth spot among Rhett Lowder (the Reds' No. 4 prospect, No. 86 overall in MLB), Chase Burns, Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar (Cincinnati's No. 20 prospect). Then a second spot likely opened after Hunter Greene was shut down with right elbow stiffness, with the results of tests still pending. Aguiar was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Friday, leaving three pitchers vying for two spots.
Lowder, who started vs. the A's on Monday, has enjoyed a sensational camp to this point and has earned manager Terry Francona's praise for pitching like a veteran.
Through his three starts, Burns has a 5.63 ERA with six walks and 11 strikeouts in eight innings. The young power pitcher still is showing his great stuff but has had an uneven spring, often falling behind in counts and then being susceptible to damage when in a hitter's count. That showed again Sunday vs. the Padres, when Burns gave up four runs on four hits and one walk over 3 2/3 innings, including a long first-inning three-run home run to Gavin Sheets. Burns recovered well after the homer, however.
Williamson has looked good in limited opportunities. He has a 4.50 ERA but has only tossed four innings, with one walk and six strikeouts over two relief appearances. The lefty is scheduled to make his first start on Tuesday vs. the Rockies.
“I think they’ve competed great," Francona said. "The thing we can’t forget -- and it’s hard -- Spring Training is still Spring Training. Guys have to gear up. … But you watch the game, and you can’t unsee what you see. You try to stay focused on, ‘What’s important? What are we looking for?’ And not just react when something goes well or bad.”
Bullpen
While several relievers have been hit hard this spring -- including veterans like closer Emilio Pagán and setup men Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft -- there isn't much concern about them, because the settings for their outings aren't regular-season intensity.
But for those still competing for the final two spots, the stakes are higher. And the results have been alarming, with several hits, walks and crooked numbers on the scoreboard. Connor Phillips, Luis Mey and Zach Maxwell (Reds' No. 19 prospect) have all endured poor outings that could worsen their odds of making the team. Meanwhile, lefty Sam Moll and non-roster invite Tejay Antone, who is working back from a third Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, have largely pitched well.
“It is different for guys competing [for spots]," Francona said. "And we kind of tell them that in that first meeting. I don’t know how else to do it. That’s why you try not to base too much on Spring Training, because you can make some bad mistakes. But you’re probably looking for different things from different people.
“I get it. When the wind is blowing out 30 mph, that can’t be an easy feeling. But if you compound it, then it really gets bad.”
First base
Not much drama left here. Top prospect Sal Stewart (No. 22 overall) already had the inside track going into camp, and he has done nothing this spring to cause any doubt that he belongs in the big leagues.
Bench spots
After backup catcher Jose Trevino, there are three bench spots up for grabs with four leading contenders. There are three outfielders in Will Benson, JJ Bleday and Dane Myers, as well as first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
Lowe has shown big power and is a proven veteran, but like Antone in the bullpen, he has the extra obstacle of being a non-roster player. A spot on the 40-man roster would have to be cleared to make space for him.
Who lands the 26th and final roster spot could be one of the tougher decisions made all spring. It could get even tougher should there be a waiver claim pickup in the final days of spring when cuts happen league-wide. That often happens, and it always could upend the roster math.