Cozart could make spring debut:
Cincinnati GOODYEAR, ARIZ.— Reds starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani was scratched from his scheduled start today because of a tender elbow.
The 26-year old righthander’s discomfort after pitching a recent live batting practice is not cause for concern, Reds manager Bryan Price said.
“It is something he’s had in Florida before,” he said. “There is no red alert at this time. We’re treating it like that. At this point in time we don’t have grave concerns that hewon’t be ready for the opening day roster. … We will slot Disco back in when he’s ready.”
Brandon Finnegan will start today’s game.
DeSclafani is one of the three pitchers — Scott Feldman and Finnegan are the others— slotted into theReds rotation. DeSclafani is the most likely to get the opening day start.
Feldman made his spring debut Monday, issuing two walks in 1⅔ innings against the Diamondbacks. He didn’t allowahit, struckoutoneand allowed two unearned runs.
The veteran right-hander signed with the Reds in January. The 34-year old has nine years in the big leagues with a career 71-77 record with a 4.40 ERA.
Feldman started 183 of his 321major league games. Last season he made five starts and 35 bullpen appearances for Houston and Toronto.
“Scott came with a lot of respect frompeople thathad him in the past,” Price said. “His experience can really help the young staff and it won’t be a big deal to move him back to a starter.
Cody Reed is one of the three frontrunners, along with Robert Stephenson and TimAdleman, to fill the last two spots in the Reds’ rotation.
Reed followed Feldman onMonday, making his first appearance of the spring.
The 23-year old made 13 starts for Louisville with a 6-4 record and a 3.08 ERA butwas 0-7with a 7.36ERA with the Reds in 10 starts.
Reed pitched two perfect innings against Arizona with no strikeouts.
Raburn 1 for 3 in debut:
Ryan Raburn was the designated hitter against the Diamondbacks. It was his first appearance of the spring. He was 1 for 3 with two strikeouts.
Raburn signed a minor league contract with the Reds on Feb. 19.and will battle Desmond Jennings for the extra outfield spot on the Reds’ roster. Both could make the team.
Raburn played every position but shortstop and catcher in his career. He even has 1⅔ scoreless innings as a pitcher.
Raburn has played with the Tigers, IndiansandRockies. Both could make the team.
Reds shortstopZackCozart remainson the sideline in spring training as a precaution.
He was shut down the last 21 games of last season with tendinitis in his right knee.
“He is running the bases today,” Price saidMonday. “We will be getting him possibly in the game the 28th (today). I know we have some bad weather coming in.
“If it’s sloppy tomorrow, I might make a change. I don’t look at him as a rehab guy. With the long spring training, we’re just checking boxes.”
Catcher DevinMesoraco is stillworking on his stamina and endurance and will not appear in a game anytime soon.
“Untilwe’re getting closer with workload, I’d hate to target a date,” Price said. “He’s getting closer. He is following the plan that (trainer) Steve (Bauman) and Dr. (Tim) Kremchek set up for him.”
Backup shortstop?
Arismendy Alcantaramade his second start at shortstop on Monday.
He made an error against the San Francisco Giants on Friday. He made two errors in the second inning Monday against Arizona, leading to two unearned runs.
Cozart will be the starter at shortstop, and the other two players with extensive experience at shortstop are Eugenio Suarez, who will start at third and Jose Peraza, whowill start at second.
Alcantara has made two appearances at shortstop in his career. The Reds are looking at him as a utility player.
Alcantara and ZachVincej have been alternating at shortstop.