Cincinnati Reds News

Winker spent much of the shutdown in Cincinnati working on improving his footwork, in the hopes of bettering his defensive skills, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I was taking fly balls from DB and I just ran a ton," Winker said. "I think that was the best way to stay in shape for me, personally. Everything else -- throwing and hitting -- I've always trusted that would be there when it's time to go do that. Keeping my body in shape throughout this quarantine was my No. 1 priority."

Stephenson returned to Cincinnati's summer camp Thursday after missing time with a sore wrist, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Mahle will either be used in a piggyback role or as a long reliever this season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Bauer will be the Reds' third starter to begin the season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Gray will be the Reds' Opening Day starter Friday, July 24 against the Tigers, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Though Castellanos is presumably a good fit to DH for the Reds, he'd prefer to play in the field instead, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I don't want to DH. I chose to come to the Reds -- first and foremost, I believe they can win," Castellanos said on Tuesday. "But also, I like being in the National League where I get to play defense every day. A goal of mine is to become a better and better defender every year that I play -- every game that I play is probably a more appropriate answer."

Akiyama will play in the corner outfield spots primarily to allow Nick Senzel to focus on center field, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Speaking about the setup, manager David Bell said, "We really believe in his ability to adapt to any outfield position. That makes it nice. It gives more of the luxury of allowing Nick to settle into center field -- not that Shogo won't play center field. He will."

Bauer would prefer to pitch in a four-man rotation, or at least pitch every four days, and that's an option on the table for the Reds, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I've got that as being 100 percent on the table, especially in the shortened season," pitching coach Derek Johnson said. "That's something he really wants to do, and he thinks he would thrive in that environment. I know there's questions behind that. At the same time, I think we're in the situation to do it. I trust Trevor. I trust what kind of work he puts in, invests in himself, and I think if he feels he can do it, I think he can."

Because he's been doing individual workouts at Great American Ballpark since May, Castillo is confident that he can ramp up quickly for Opening day, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "Right now, because I've been here such a long time and doing all of my bullpen sessions, I think I could go out and pitch 6-7 innings," Castillo said Saturday via translator Jorge Merlos on a Zoom call. "That's how good I feel right now. I'm perfectly OK to do so."

Senzel (shoulder) is 100 percent healthy, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ervin is a near lock to make the Reds' initial 30-man roster when the season begins, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Hendrick was not included on the Reds' 60-man player pool for the 2020 season and wasn't really under consideration, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. "Austin is more of a ways away, obviously a high school kid who hasn't even started a season yet," general manager Nick Krall said. "He's got to get back into baseball shape before you even think of something like that. That wasn't a consideration."

Schebler will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Jankowski will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Fairchild will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Rodriguez will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

India will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Garcia will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Colon will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Stephenson will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Pena will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Smith will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Santillan will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.

Raley will be a part of the Reds' 60-man player pool this season.