Reds relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson Manager Terry Francona told reporters he will begin the season on the 15-day injured list (Link: Mark Sheldon of MLB.com). The left-hander has strained his right oblique and will be sidelined for at least a few weeks.
Ferguson’s debut with the team is expected to be delayed due to injury. The Reds signed him to a one-year, $4.5 million free agent contract. Ferguson has a 3.58 ERA in 65 1/3 innings with the Pirates and Mariners. His 18.9% strikeout rate was easily the worst of his career, but he made up for it by allowing one of the lowest hard contact rates in the sport.
Ferguson did not pitch well this spring, giving up 5 runs and having 9 of 13 batters on base (6 hits, 3 walks). Of course, his numbers lock him into a bullpen role either way. Ferguson and trade arguments brock burke They would have been two left-handers guaranteed to be on the Opening Day roster.
His injury needs to be bigger. Sam Moll’s There is a possibility of breaking camp. The 34-year-old is out of options and is on the roster bubble as the No. 3 left-handed reliever on the depth chart. Moll appeared in 23 big league games last year, posting a 6.38 ERA despite posting an impressive 27% strikeout rate. He pitched six scoreless innings this spring, allowing just one hit, but walked six of 23 batters he faced.
Francona said Moll still doesn’t seem completely sure of his roster spot because the Reds aren’t committed to replacing Ferguson with a left-handed pitcher. Cincinnati will likely have to trade him or place him on waivers if they push him.
There’s also at least one spot for a hard-throwing right-hander. louis may, Connor Phillips, jack maxwell Or recently acquired Kyle Nicholas. southpaw Brandon Williamson Suitable for long relief roles. TJ Anton, Hagen Danner and Junior Marte It is one of the non-invitees competing for recruitment.
