Reds playing cautious with Minor’s soreness

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — “I’m at the very beginning,” Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mike Minor said. “The target to get back is as soon as possible, but everything is day-to-day.”

On March 18, Minor threw one inning of a simulated game against live hitters but felt soreness in his shoulder afterward. And instead of rushing Minor to get ready for the beginning of the season, the Reds didn’t have Minor throw his second simulated game until Thursday. His next step will be to make rehab starts in the minor leagues.

Minor has had shoulder soreness before, so the hope is that a gradual buildup prevents injuries.

“Everybody has aches and pains,” Minor said. “You just try to stay on top of it, maintain it and keep going. Right now, it’s super early. I try to knock everything out and get ready for a long season.”

The Reds traded Amir Garrett to the Kansas City Royals for Minor in order to get consistency and veteran experience in the rotation, and he’s still expected to play that role — when healthy.

“Everybody has aches and pains,” Minor said. “You just try to stay on top of it, maintain it and keep going. Right now, it’s super early. I try to knock everything out and get ready for a long season.”

Manager David Bell said he hopes to have Minor back in the rotation “sometime in April for sure.”

Drury could be Reds’ backup shortstop

With prospect Jose Barrero (wrist) missing the start of the season, the Reds don’t have another experienced shortstop in big league spring training behind starter Kyle Farmer.

Brandon Drury has only made six big league starts at the position, but the seven-year veteran is the favorite to begin the year as the Reds backup.

Schrock taking advantage of Reds opportunity

Reds infielder Max Schrock started spring training expecting merely to compete for a spot on the opening day roster. So far, he has been one of the league’s best hitters.

Entering the weekend, Schrock had a .619 batting average and four extra-base hits in 21 at-bats.

“I’m going to be finding ways to get his bat into the lineup or into the game,” Bell said. “He has consistently proven he can handle anything, any pitcher or any situation. He gives you a great atbat. That’ll be my challenge to get him in there.”