Who to Expect in Reds Rotation as Pitchers and Catchers Prepare to Report
Photo from Redleg Nation staff.
In just over two weeks from today, on February 14th, Cincinnati Reds pitchers and catchers will report to Goodyear, Arizona to mark the start of spring training. The Reds have a plethora of talent in the pitching position. So, what exactly should we expect to see out of the pitching staff this spring?
For starters, let’s look at the most likely starting rotation. Last year’s ace, Hunter Greene, along with Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott should all have their spots back again this year, barring any setbacks from last season’s injuries.
Greene had a 4.82 ERA in 2023, and struggled down the stretch of the season, after spending nearly two months on the Injured List, (IL) with right hip pain. Greene’s luck wouldn’t end there, just two weeks after making his return in August, he found himself on the Covid-19 list, right as the team needed him the most. Greene should be good to go for the 2024 season, as this loaded Reds roster looks to be a true contender, once again.
Similarly, Lodolo also struggled with injuries. Lodolo only threw 34.1 innings in 2023, posting a 6.29 ERA before he ended up on the IL with left calf tendinosis, with was later shown to be a stress fracture in his tibia. Lodolo appeared to be on track to return just in time for the team’s playoff push, until he was diagnosed with another tibial stress fracture during his rehab assignment. Reds fans have seen how effective Lodolo can be in the rotation and look forward to seeing a healthy Lodolo this season.
Photo from fannation.
Ashcraft also spent some time on the IL during the 2023 season. On September 2nd, the Reds placed Ashcraft on the IL with a stress fracture in his right big toe. Just a couple weeks later, Ashcraft had season ending surgery to fix the damage to his toe. Ashcraft posted a 2.81 ERA throughout ten starts in 2023. He started physical therapy on October 20th and looks to be ready to go as spring training ramps up.
To round out the likely starts, we have Abbott. During his rookie campaign in 2023, Abbott posted a 3.87 ERA, but just like the others, Abbott also suffered a bit of an injury. Abbott had never thrown more than 118 innings in a season, but knew he had a lot coming last season. Abbott told Mark Sheldon, a Reds beat writer, that he knew he would have to be able to throw at least 160 innings in the Major Leagues. Which is exactly what he did in 2023, throwing 163.1 innings. Abbott also told Sheldon that towards the end of the season, he was only getting 80-90 percent, but if he felt good enough, he was going to pitch.
Abbott’s injury never landed him on the IL, but certainly made an impact as his performance dropped drastically, and he was scratched from a couple of starts. Abbott had quite the rookie campaign and looks to get right back in stride in a couple weeks out in Goodyear.
With Greene, Lodolo, Ashcraft, and Abbott likely locking up starting positions, assuming they’re all healthy, it’s time to turn the focus to the other starting pitchers with invites to spring training. The Reds rustled with many starters through their injury ridden 2023, all of whom will be vying for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips, Levi Stoudt, and Lyon Richardson all made starts for injury riddled Reds in 2023, with Williamson, and Phillips being the most impressive. Given the Reds offseason additions, it is likely that these four will be fighting for a spot in the bullpen, but that takes nothing away from how impressive these four have been. Phillips also finds himself ranked number 70 among all prospects in MLB Pipeline’s top 100 rankings.
Photo from Andy Lyons of Getty Images.
Other prospects with invites in spring training include Chase Petty, and Rhett Lowder, who both find themselves in the top 100 with Phillips, Petty at 98, and Lowder at 34.
Lowder was the Reds first round draft pick in 2023, out of Wake Forest, following a stellar college career, posting a 1.87 ERA. Lowder may not find himself in the rotation just yet but will surely be a huge part of this team’s future success.
Petty on the other hand, spent the 2023 season with AA Chattanooga, where he posted a 1.72 ERA. Like Lowder, Petty may not find himself in the rotation just yet, but there is hope for him to make a bullpen appearance for this year’s squad. Petty has found himself very popular among Reds fans, as he has taken to Instagram to show his velocity improvement over the offseason.
To round out the last of the pitchers fighting for the last spot in the rotation, we have off season additions, Frankie Montas, and Nick Martinez. Montas hasn’t pitched much over the last two seasons, with a shoulder injury, but has proven to be a reliable starter when healthy. Montas has a career 3.90 ERA and could be a great mentor to the Reds young pitching staff. Montas is also the most likely candidate to end up with the last rotation spot.
Martinez, a two-way pitcher will likely be in the bullpen, but given the injury prone staff the Reds have, it would not be surprising to see him end up in the rotation. Martinez had a 3.42 ERA last season, and will be a key to the Reds success, regardless of the role he ends up in.
This spring will certainly be a fun one for Reds fans and should show how this competitive rotation will pan out. A healthy Reds pitching staff is the key to being a true contender this year. Make sure to check back in a couple of days for an in depth look at relief pitchers partaking in spring training.