Aquino optioned, but feels he's right on track

July 17th, 2020

CINCINNATI -- Ahead of setting their Opening Day roster on Thursday, the Reds made some procedural moves on Friday, with players going to the alternate training site at Prasco Park.

Outfielder and relievers Justin Shafer, Matt Bowman and Joel Kuhnel were optioned since they’re on the 40-man roster, while two non-roster players were reassigned in shortstop prospect Jose Garcia and reliever Tyler Thornburg.

Aquino, Garcia and Thornburg were already based at Prasco Park, but the other four will be switching their workout home from Great American Ball Park to the site in Mason, Ohio.

According to the adjusted rules for this unique 2020 season, any of the optioned players could still be part of the Opening Day roster on July 24 vs. the Tigers. That’s because optioned players do not have to wait the customary 10-day period to be recalled.

During a 1-0 win for his side Thursday, Aquino hit a double and a home run. After he struggled while going 2-for-26 with 11 strikeouts in Cactus League play, he used the quarantine time to get things back on track.

“I’ve really worked on a lot of relaxing and trying to really focus myself into the job that I have to do,” Aquino said via translator Jorge Merlos before the transactions were made. “Really, it was a good time for me to work on myself physically as well to help my team win.”

Reds manager David Bell was pleased with what Aquino did during the camp.

“C.J. Gillman, the hitting coordinator, and [hitting coaches] Alan Zinter and Joe Mather have been in close contact daily with a plan for Aquino and making sure we're doing everything we can,” Bell said. “Because this guy just has huge upside as we've all seen, and we believe that he's going to be a part of this team either from Opening Day or at some point in the season. We want to help him get the most out of himself, so that’s where our focus is and whatever that timing is, that's what it is. We really believe it's going to happen."