Press Clippings April 1, 2015

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1967- retires at 37-years-old and takes a position as a Reds radio broadcaster. Nuxhall will call games for the Reds until 2004 when he becomes a part-time broadcaster.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Reds' Marlon Byrd fitting in both on and off the field By C. Trent Rosecrans / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @ctrent

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — It's pretty simple, Marlon Byrd says of fitting in: just don't be a jerk.

Well, he didn't use the exact term "jerk," but the point was clear.

"As long as I stay away from being 'that guy', I was going to fit in," Byrd said laughing on Tuesday, with just two days left in Arizona before the Reds go to Montreal – and then to Cincinnati for the start of the 2015 season.

The 37-year-old Byrd is playing for his eighth different organization, so he's been the new kid in school before.

"The first time is tough, you don't know what to say, you don't know what to do, but now you just come in and you look around and learn how things are and try to fit in," he said. "You don't try too much, try too hard."

The Reds traded for Byrd in December, in hopes he'd fill a hole in left field but also be a clubhouse leader. And while you don't see pompoms in Byrd's locker, you will hear him talking to anyone and everyone who enters the team's clubhouse.

"He's been terrific. I just think that's how he's wired," Reds manager said. "He wants to be with a winner, he wants to contribute to a winning team, and he's selfless to where he just wants to be a part of it. He doesn't need any special treatment to make him feel like he's part of a ball club.

"He is the guy we used to always watch from the other side of the field, a guy you admire for his work ethic and how hard he plays the game, his understanding of situational , his professionalism. He's fit in. He's exactly what we thought he was when we saw him as an opponent."

Byrd's locker in Goodyear is next to Billy Hamilton's, and the Reds' young center fielder said he immediately felt comfortable with Byrd.

"When he came over, it felt like he knew me right away," Hamilton said. "I was surprised myself, he's just one of those guys that gets along with everybody. He wants you to succeed, he wants you to be successful, he's going to do everything he can to help you out. He's just one of those guys you have to love as a teammate. He's going to give you his all every time, and he expects you to do the same."

On the field, Byrd has had a good spring, hitting .349/.404/.442 entering Tuesday's game. He's had multiple hits in five of the 15 games he'd played in before Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

Still, he's not exactly where he wants to be, he said, but that should come in the last week.

"It's coming along, I still have some work to do, especially on my swings – off-speed pitches down, off-speed pitches down and away, I'm getting better at," Byrd said. "I still have to work on fastballs up – either taking them or getting my barrel to the ball. It's still a work in progress, a couple of more days, I'm shoring things up."

And he's also adjusting to a new position in left. Byrd has played left before, appearing in 144 games over his career there, but he has been in right the last two seasons and primarily in center before that. Only in 2005 with the Nationals did Byrd play the majority of his games in left.

"I know a lot of guys who are in right their entire career and they go to left, it's tough. But I've played that side of the field before," Byrd said. "Billy Butler a ball – we're playing the A's – and I pulled up on it. I got the jump I wanted to, but I didn't trust it. Then the next ball that was hit, that (Marcus) Semien hit, I went in and caught it. I'm still making adjustments, as far as getting the right jumps, balls down the line, I still need to make some throws during the games, knowing where (Zack) Cozart's going to be on cutoffs. There's more work to offensively and defensively."

The work is one thing Byrd's not afraid of putting in, and there's a tell-tale sign that he's already worked plenty this season – he has tan lines around his eyes where his sunglasses are, showing just how much time he's spent in the Arizona sun. That he's put in the time on the field has helped his transition off of it.

"Play the game, that's the easy part, being in here and comfortable and have everyone comfortable with you, that can be tough with certain guys," he said. "Here, as long as you're a good guy, these guys are accepting over here. We have a good group."

Chapman leaves game for precautionary reasons By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

MARYVALE, Ariz. — Reds left Tuesday's game against the with a right hamstring issue.

Chapman called out catcher Brayan Pena to talk after getting a groundout on Jean Segura in the fifth inning. Trainer Paul Lessard, manager Bryan Price and pitching Jeff Pico then came onto the field. Chapman threw a few warmup pitches, but after a long discussion, he was taken out of the game.

Chapman appeared upset with decision.

"There was a lot going on there," Price said. "The word 'hamstring' came up, (and) just with that history we were extra cautious. By the sounds of it, it may be a non-issue completely. It may be nothing more than a miscommunication.

"I'm sure he was frustrated to have to come out. He wanted to stay in. But, at this point in time, this just no way to take a chance. I think when the smoke clears he'll be completely fine."

Doc's TML: GABP nursery shows Reds put fans first again By Paul Daugherty / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected]

The Moanin' Man rolls outta the rack this AM, first thing I see is Matt Lauer talking about Great American Small Park on the Today show. Not about the Club or the All Star Game. About the nursery. Damned right.

Today did a 30-second hit on the new nursery at GASP.

That's what I said. Nursery. And it's not even for guys making eight figures who didn't get their latest shipment of Louisville Sluggers on time. It's for parents and their babes (little kids, I mean, cleanse your Mobster minds) who won't be deterred by the thought of changing diapers during a Joey TakeYourBase AB.

This is one thing I like about The Club. It thinks about you. Yeah, I know: "If they think about us so damned much, Doc, they better re-up Cueto.'' I hear that.

But more and more, MLB is less about the product and more about the Experience. If you're Hard Core Ball Man, that doesn't please you. But HCBM is a declining species. And besides, that brand of fan is highly engaged by winning, and quite possibly these Reds are at the edge of their current (fairly) winning ways. It's not hard to see lean years a-comin'.

There are new bars this year, and a vending machine that dispenses your beer. Great idea! GASP has always been a fan-friendly place, especially if you like an adult soda. Fraternity Phil (Castellini) understands that for most younger adults, the ballpark is just one stop in a long weekend evening. He markets is as such. That's smart.

So, there's the Bootlegger's Bar, the Handlebar, the Party Barn and the Brewery District. Go for the sodas, stay for the baseball! Take me out to the drinking game! Wiseguys might suggest that if this Club resembles last year's version, extra drinking stations will be needed.

Did Phil have more men's rooms installed, too?

Baseball is uniquely suited to fill this role. It happens 81 times. It doesn't require the total engagement of football or basketball. It isn't as expensive as either of those two sports. It's often played in very pleasant weather. So, why not start your Friday night of carousing and canoodling at the Small Park? Have a beer, meet up with friends, stay four or five innings, then hit a club. Am I right?

Ideally, you're a huge fan and you stay all nine. Realistically, you're a casual fan, and you stay until you've had your fill. Of baseball. Or lager. Or both.

That's also why baseball is the last, best radio game. I could never listen to the NF of L on the radio, if I knew the game was on TV. I prefer to listen to the Reds on the radio, when the game is on TV. It's a whole different approach.

Anyway, good for The Club. The Big Man might not have done all he declared he'd do (yet), when he took over the team. "Championship baseball'' comes with varying definitions. They've won a couple division titles. But his group has made attending a game a pleasant experience. These days, that's a large point of emphasis.

Reds' Billy Hamilton feeling good, despite .179 average By Cincinnati Enquirer

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Billy Hamilton's .179 average heading into Tuesday's exhibition against the Brewers isn't pretty. But the funny thing is, Hamilton said he's much happier with his spring this year than he was a year ago, when he hit .327 with a .381 on- base percentage.

"It's a lot better this year. I'm more calm, I'm getting more work in. I'm able to go up there and have at-bats where I'm not worried about if I get out, I could lose my job," Hamilton said. "If I get out right here, I put too much pressure on myself. This year I came in, working hard, getting better. I've learned so much from coming in here and getting my work in. I feel like the path I'm on is a good one."

Hamilton said he's let a lot of pitches go by him that he could hit, but because it's spring, he wants to see them. More pitches seen is better than more pitches hit – at least in spring.

"You want to see before you get to the season," Hamilton said. "You want to see what's going on. Last year I was worried about all my hits, I wasn't worried about how I was feeling at the plate: Am I seeing pitches? Am I able to take pitches or not? I feel like I've had a lot to learn."

While Hamilton's spot on the team is safe, his spot in the lineup may not be. Reds manager Bryan Price said he wasn't necessarily going to bat Hamilton leadoff every day, like he did last season.

That's fine, Hamilton said, as long as his name is in the lineup, the rest doesn't matter.

"Where ever you're hitting – first, second, third, fourth, fifth, six, seventh, eighth or ninth – you've still got to hit," Hamilton said.

MESORACO FINE: Devin Mesoraco said Tuesday his quad is fine and he will be ready to catch on Wednesday, the team's penultimate game in Arizona for the spring.

Mesoraco is already in the lineup, catching and batting cleanup against the Diamondbacks.

"I'm optimistically thinking he'll be ready to play tomorrow and we'll see," Price said on Tuesday morning. "It's like when Zack (Cozart) was sick. I put them in there until I find if they can 't go or shouldn't go. I'm doing the same thing with Devin."

BIG LEAGUE JOHNNY: will start Wednesday's game for the Reds, his first start in a big-league exhibition since March 15.

"He'll look to increase on what he did in his last minor league start," Price said. "He'll (have missed) one start, one start, so getting him closer to 85, 90 pitches makes him capable of throwing 95 too 105 pitches on — in that neighborhood where we'd be comfortable. It is important that he gets his work in."

Cueto threw five innings against the Dodgers' -A team on March 27 after going home to the for a week to be with his mother, who underwent open-heart surgery.

MONTREAL STARTERS: Jason Marquis and Anthony DeSclafani will start the Reds' two exhibition games in Montreal.

Marquis is one of just two Reds to have pitched in Montreal against the Expos, pitching there eight times with four starts while with the Braves and Cardinals. DeSclafani was 14 when the Expos played their last game.

The other Red to have played in Montreal was Marlon Byrd, who played in 16 games there early in his career with the Phillies.

Reds' roster not final with fifth starter TBD By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Call it the Alfredo Simon Factor.

The Reds have been reluctant to make any formal announcements about their Opening Day roster because there could be an Alfredo Simon out there. In 2012, the Reds had their roster set when they broke camp.

Two days before Opening Day, the put Simon on waivers. The Reds picked him up. Todd Frazier, who had been told he made the team, was optioned to -A Louisville.

"Things happen," Price said. "The reason we haven't come out and said this is our team is that I never saw the Alfredo Simon deal happening in 2012. And it happened and it affected our roster.

"At this point in time, with all these different people who have these opt-out things in their contracts and so on and so forth . . ."

Players with six years of service time in camps on minor-league contracts can opt out on Wednesday if they're not added to the roster. That is part of what was behind the Reds' move to release left-hander Paul Maholm.

Price is fine with the Reds breaking camp with what they have.

"We really like our team but it's one of those anything-can-happen type of events," Price said. "I think we have a very, very good team right there with the group we have on that board."

The Reds are set from a position-player standpoint. They have 13 healthy positions players in camp - the same number they will carry on Opening Day.

The pitching is not as set. The Reds have 14 healthy for 12 Opening Day spots.

The big decision: Who will be the fifth starter? Michael Lorenzen, who starts today against Milwaukee in Maryvale, is competing with Raisel Iglesias for the spot.

What happens to the one who doesn't win the spot will affect the bullpen. Either Lorenzen or Iglesias could end up in the bullpen or the minors.

Lorenzen, the supplemental first-round pick in 2013, has outpitched Iglesias lately. But Price said almost the exact same thing about Lorenzen as he said about Iglesias this morning.

Price on Lorenzen: "It has not been decided. He's going to go out there and pitch and he's going to give us an option as a guy who can start."

Monday: DeSclafani struggles, Reds fall 6-3

Price on Iglesias: "He's obviously in consideration as one of our starters and has a very good chance of making our club."

The fact that Iglesias will start in a minor-league game Wednesday is a scheduling matter. Iglesias' day to pitch is the same as Johnny Cueto's and 's.

"We can't have Johnny pitch in another minor-league game simply because his last big-league game was on (March 15)," Price said.

DeSclafani struggles, Reds fall 6-3 By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani had his first really rough outing of the spring, giving up six runs and taking the 6-3 loss Monday to the .

The arms: DeSclafani went six innings, allowed seven hits, struck out four and walked one. All of the damage was done on home runs: a two- shot by in the fourth, a solo shot by and a three-run shot by Yangervis Solarte in the fifth.

DeSclafani had a string of nine scoreless innings before Kemp's .

"He had a couple of 0-2 hits," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Then he got behind Solarte 2-0 and gave up the three-run homer. That was really the big blow. Barmes got him on elevated pitch, as did Kemp.

"The ball is coming out of his hand good. He's got to start to shrink his area, get that to be a more reliable strike pitch and be able to keep his fastball in his lanes. He's thrown better than he did today. I'm not real concerned about it."

Kevin Gregg pitched a scoreless inning. He has six and no walks this spring.

The bats: The Reds had 13 hits. Todd Frazier singled and doubled. was 2-for-2.

The Reds had a chance to tie the game in the fourth: Brayan Pena led off with a . Billy Hamilton bunted him over. Pena went to third and Hamilton to second when third baseman Cory Spangenberg threw the ball away. But Zack Cozart flied to medium right. Pena wisely held on Kemp's strong throw. DeSclafani struck out, and popped up to the catcher.

Chris Dominguez singled in the Reds' first run. He's 12-for-25 with three home runs and 10 RBI in his last 11 games.

The rest: It was 91 degrees at first pitch and reached 95 during the game. Most of the fans cluttered in the limited shade to avoid the heat. The game drew 2,526 – the smallest crowd of the spring for the Reds.

Up next: The Reds go to Maryvale to play the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4:05 p.m. game Tuesday. Right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-0, 1.64 ERA) faces right-hander Mike Fiers. The game will be on WSAI (1360).

Council to MLB: Reinstate By Sharon Coolidge / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected]

Cincinnati City Council wants to do something baseball's all-time hits leader hasn't been able to do for three decades: convince to let Pete Rose back into baseball.

Council's Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee Tuesday passed a resolution requesting that Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred reinstate Rose.

"Twenty-five years is enough of a ban," said Councilman Christopher Smitherman, who authored the resolution. "People have murdered people and gotten less time."

"We're putting millions into hosting the All-Star Game," he said. "It's the right time for MLB to take under deep consideration."

Smitherman garnered support from Councilman Charlie Winburn. Committee member Amy Murray abstained – she does not vote on resolutions.

Full Council will take up the issue Thursday at their regular meeting.

Rose, who grew up on Cincinnati's West Side, epitomized that area's work ethic. He wasn't the most talented player but always worked hard to try to outdo the competition. The Western Hills high grad signed with the hometown Reds and quickly rose through the minor leagues. He earned the nickname "Charlie Hustle" by running to first base after a walk.

He rose to stardom, helping the Big Red Machine of the 1970s win back-to-back championships in 1975 and 1976. It was in a Reds uniform and before the hometown crowd that Rose became the game's all-time hits leader on Sept. 11, 1985. His 4,256 hits is just one of the many records Rose holds in baseball: He's also the game's all-time leaders in singles, outs, at-bats and games played in addition to three championships, a Most Valuable Player award and three batting titles. Aug. 15, 1984: Using the head-first slide he made famous in his years at Cincinnati, Pete Rose dives toward home plate. (Photo: Enquirer file)

Rose, though, agreed in 1989 to be banned from baseball after he was accused of betting on baseball, including games involving the Reds, the team he managed. After years of denial, Rose admitted in 2004 he bet on baseball and the Reds.

The Council Committee also requested Manfred recognize the records of players who participated in the Negro Leagues "and when appropriate, place Negro League players on the ballot for induction into the Hall of Fame."

MLB.COM Bruce's long blast leads Reds' rally over Crew Cincy pours it on with five-run sixth; Lorenzen goes four By Cash Kruth and Adam McCalvy / MLB.com / @AdamMcCalvy

PHOENIX -- Jay Bruce hit a towering three-run home run in the fourth inning, and the Reds added five more runs in the sixth against the Brewers when the Central rivals met for the final time this spring on Tuesday at Maryvale Baseball Park in a 10-4 Reds win.

An error charged to Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez aided the Reds' big sixth against Milwaukee left-hander Neal Cotts, who lasted one-third of an inning and was charged with five earned runs. In seven innings this spring, Cotts has surrendered 11 earned runs, 18 hits and six walks.

The Reds earned a measure of revenge after losing their first two games against the Brewers this spring. The teams will see each other again soon; they meet April 20-23 at Miller Park and April 27-29 at Great American Ball Park.

Reds rally for five runs in 6thReds rally for five runs in 6th 3/31/15: The Reds break open the game with five runs scored in the 6th inning of a 10-4 win over the Brewers

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

• Chapman exits early: Reds closer Aroldis Chapman faced just one batter before being removed. Though the Reds initially thought it was a hamstring situation, it turned out to be a miscommunication and the lefty is fine.

Big Bruce: Brewers starter Mike Fiers was cruising along before running into Brewer-killer Bruce in the fourth inning. Todd Frazier had walked and Marlon Byrd reached on a one-out single before Bruce hit his homer to left-center field for a 3-1 Reds lead. He made it 4-1 two innings later with a single that bounced past Gomez in center field for a run-scoring error.

Back on Fiers: Sidelined earlier this month by a bout of shoulder weakness, Fiers pitched past the fourth inning in an "A" game for the first time this spring. He was charged with three runs on three hits and four walks, with three strikeouts in five innings. Fiers could remain in Phoenix when the Brewers head north to make one final Spring Training tuneup in Minor League camp, though that plan has yet to be formalized.

Fizzled first: Milwaukee had a big first inning brewing against Reds starter Michael Lorenzen, taking a 1-0 lead when Gomez walked and Jonathan Lucroy and followed with sharp singles. That's where the rally ended. Aramis Ramirez scalded a line drive, but it went right to Kristopher Negron, who doubled off Lucroy. When grounded out weakly, a promising inning was over.

QUOTABLE

"I think we have bad luck that every time he [Bruce] faces us, he looks good. He's a true hitter. He's one of the best." -- Gomez, on Bruce's success vs. the Brewers

"For me, it's good that I'm getting another start to work on my stuff again. I don't think I'm 100 percent ready right now." -- Fiers, on how he feels as the regular season nears

"He made good pitches with everything that he had. I think it's good. He was challenged earlier and he made some adjustments to finish strong and that says a lot about his ability to make in-game adjustments." -- Reds manager Bryan Price, on Lorenzen

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS

• Bruce is a familiar foe for Milwaukee. He has hit more regular season home runs (25) and logged more RBIs (63) against the Brewers than any other opponent.

WHAT'S NEXT

Reds: Right-hander Johnny Cueto makes his first Cactus League start since March 15 against the D-backs at 1:05 p.m. MT on Wednesday at Goodyear Ballpark on Gameday Audio. Cueto has been building his arm strength in Minor League games the past few starts. The Reds hope Cueto throws about 85-90 pitches in his final spring tuneup before Opening Day against the Pirates.

Brewers: A day after a slew of camp cuts all but set the Brewers' Opening Day roster, Opening Day starter will make his final spring tuneup in Mesa, Ariz., against the Cubs on Wednesday at 3:05 p.m. CT. Lohse is headed for his third career start in a season opener, and his first with the Brewers. The game will be broadcast on MLB.TV.

Chapman fine after early exit vs. Brewers Reds closer leaves after miscommunication over injury By Cash Kruth / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- A mid-inning removal of Reds closer Aroldis Chapman on Tuesday turned out to be nothing more than a miscommunication.

Chapman left Tuesday's game after recording only one out in the fifth inning of Cincinnati's 10-4 win over the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. He retired the lone batter he faced on a routine grounder to second, but the trainers and coaches came out to the mound. Chapman threw two practice pitches but was removed.

"We went out there to check on him and the hamstring came up, and just with that history we were extra cautious," Reds manager Bryan Price said of Chapman, who dealt with an injured hamstring last season. "And by the sounds of it, it may be a non-issue completely."

TV cameras caught Chapman yelling at catcher Brayan Pena following the top of the fifth.

"By the time the smoke cleared, Chappy was back in the dugout and Brayan got back in the dugout after the half-inning, I just think there might've been a misunderstanding," Price said. "So it's fine. It's frustrating for Chappy but in the big picture, nothing critical."

Chapman, 27, posted a 2.00 ERA with 36 saves and 106 strikeouts in 54 appearances last year.

A force when healthy, Votto feeling strong Former NL MVP plans to push tough 2014 season in past with return to form By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

In the days leading up to Opening Day, MLB.com is examining various aspects of each team's roster. Today, the time has come to focus on a key player for the upcoming season. For the Reds, that's Joey Votto.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One of the best pieces of news to come for Reds fans in Spring Training this year is actually a recent lack of news about first baseman Joey Votto's health.

Except for the fact that he made his Cactus League game debut a few days late on March 7, Votto's camp has been otherwise normal. There has been no need to bring up the distal strain of the left quadriceps that both dominated and marred his 2014 season.

"I'm just fitting in and one of the guys, which is where I want to be every year," Votto said. "That's the objective -- to be able to just play and do the work and be able to contribute as much as possible and do my part to help the team win."

For the rest of the month when Votto has played, he's hit normally, run normally, slid normally and fielded normally.

"It really hasn't even been a talking point, even though we have to constantly check in," manager Bryan Price said. "It really has been a non-issue."

Other than Marlon Byrd, the Reds made no other acquisitions to bolster their lineup after winning 76 games in 2014. Instead, they are counting heavily on the healthy returns of such core players as Votto, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips, as well as the further growth of Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco.

But if the Reds are to contend in the , the presence of the 31-year-old Votto -- the team's best hitter and 2010 NL MVP -- is the most critical.

"It's very important," Frazier said. "Everybody knows about Joey. He's been through the league and back. He knows what to do, and people understand how good of a hitter he is. He'll get his walks, which is great. We need him on base. He'll get his doubles and homers, too. With him healthy and firing on all cylinders, the sky is the limit. He's going to be banging early, and we have to be coming right behind him, doing the same thing."

Since Votto debuted in the Majors on Sept. 4, 2007, his .417 on-base percentage is best among Major League hitters and his .310 batting average is second best. He's also third in average with runners in scoring position (.334) and walks (611) and fifth in (.533).

The quad strain limited Votto to only 62 games last season and none after July 5. He batted a career-worst .255 with six home runs and 23 RBIs but still had an OBP of .390 and a .409 slugging percentage. He fielded criticism from fans and some in the media for not playing when the team struggled in the second half.

"Last year, in a lot of ways, was embarrassing for me because I was a distraction to the team, because we lost, because there were so many questions and so few answers," Votto said. "There were a lot of critics. I'm excited to leave that in the past.

"I feel this group of guys -- we've been together for a while now, and we've lost in the playoffs several times over -- that's something that stands out for us as a group. We feel, as a group, obligated and a responsibility to the city of Cincinnati and all our fantastic fans we have there. That mostly weighs on my mind. Last year was an opportunity and a missed opportunity."

It remains unclear if Votto will bat second or third in Price's lineup. Wherever he is, he will continue to have a selective approach that maximizes swinging at good pitches and not expanding his strike zone for bad pitches.

Votto may not have the power that delivered a career-high 37 homers and 113 RBIs in 2010, when he won the NL MVP Award, but when healthy, he should be a presence in the lineup.

"I'd like to think I'm a big part of the offense; I'd like to think I'm an important part of our lineup," he said. "I'd like to think I help our team score runs and help our team win. I can't put a number on it. I'm not comfortable speaking about my value, but I can say I think we're a better lineup when each and every one of our starters is in there. I think most teams can see that, but with our team, I feel pretty strongly about that."

Ailing catcher Mesoraco nearing return for Reds Out since Sunday with quad cramp, 2014 All-Star eyeing Wednesday start By Cash Kruth / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- Devin Mesoraco was out of the lineup again Tuesday after suffering a cramp in his left quadriceps over the weekend, but manager Bryan Price tentatively has the Reds catcher penciled into Wednesday's lineup against the D-backs.

"I'm optimistically thinking that he'll be ready to play tomorrow," Price said Tuesday morning. "[What I don't want to do with injured players] is to put them in there and find out they can't go, or shouldn't go."

In the top of the third inning Sunday against the Angels, Mesoraco pulled up as he was running from first to third base on a double by Brennan Boesch. He immediately walked off the field, and thinking it was a more serious injury, spiked his helmet to the ground.

Mesoraco reported a little tightness Monday, but it appears the 2014 National League All-Star will be good to go Wednesday and for the start of the regular season.

Mesoraco is batting .214 with two home runs and four RBIs in 11 games this spring. He also missed a week earlier this month with a concussion from a foul tip off of his catcher's mask.

Other news from Tuesday:

• Right-hander Johnny Cueto will make his first Cactus League start since March 15 on Wednesday against the D-backs after building up his arm in Minor League games. The Reds hope Cueto will be able to throw about 85-90 pitches in his final spring tuneup before taking the mound Opening Day against the Pirates.

Reds open station for nursing moms at GABP By Cash Kruth / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- The Reds are making sure new mothers can take care of their children in comfort while attending games at Great American Ball Park.

The Reds will provide a new, private stadium space where mothers can breast- or bottle-feed their children, as well as change diapers, the club announced Monday. The area will include gliders, private restrooms, a kitchenette, a refrigerator and lockers.

There will also be flat-screen TVs installed so mothers won't miss any of the action, and toys will be available to help keep other toddlers busy.

Reds chief operating officer Phil Castellini told ESPN he came up with the idea after numerous stadium operations workers told him more and more women were asking where they could nurse their children at the ballpark.

"It just didn't make sense that we would put a couple chairs in the women's bathrooms," said Castellini, a father of five.

The space was built by Fischer Homes and is sponsored by Pampers.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS Maholm is the ‘Odd Man Out’ By Hal McCoy / Dayton Daily News

IT WAS A LONG SHOT in the first place that veteran/journeyman left handed Paul Maholm would push his way onto the Cincinnati Reds 25-man Opening Day roster.

Basically, his competition was one man, Jason Marquis, another veteran/journeyman pitcher. The only real difference is that Marquis is right handed.

But Marquis had a leg up on Maholm because Marquis has a history with Reds general manager Walt Jockety. Marquis pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals when Jocketty was GM.

SO IT WAS NO shocking surprise when Maholm was released this week and Marquis was named to be part of the rotation, even though Maholm’s numbers this spring were a bit better and that without Maholm the Reds have no lefthanders in the rotation.

As of now, the all right handed rotation is Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, Mike Leake, Anthony DeSclafani and Jason Marquis.

Bailey, of course, is behind schedule and won’t make his first turn when the season begins, but the plan is for him to miss only one start. His first turn will be taken either by right hander Michael Lorenzen or right hander Raisel Iglesias.

And when Bailey returns, the guy who starts in his place goes to the bullpen.

WHILE IT WASN’T in his contract that the Reds would release him if he wasn’t going to make the team and send him to the minors, and Maholm didn’t ask for his release, the Reds did him a favor by releasing him.

If another team needs a starter at this late date, Maholm showed this spring that he can help somebody. In five appearances over 12 innings, Maholm posted a 2.19 , giving up only three runs and seven hits. The opposition batted .179.

Marquis started four games and is 3-1 with a 3.46 earned run average. He gave up 10 runs and 26 hits in 26 innings and opponents batted .223.

The thinking in the Reds camp was that Marquis showed better stuff than Maholm. And with left handers Tony Cingrani, Manny Parra and Aroldis Chapman already in the bullpen Maholm didn’t fit there.

UNDER BASEBALL’S basic agreement, the Reds had until today to advise Maholm that he would be on the Opening Day roster, meaning he would have received $1.5 million in salary and a $500,000 retention bonus.

The rest of the moves the Reds made Monday were as expected. They optioned RHP Pedro Villareal to Class AAA Louisville and re-assigned to minor-league camp RHP Nick Adcock, INF Ivan DeJesus Jr., INF Irving Falu and C Kyle Skipworth.

The Reds plan to keep five extra players — Skip Schumaker, Bryan Pena, Kristopher Negron and Brennan Boesch for sure, and probably Jason Bourgeois.

There will be seven pitchers in the bullpen and there are eight candidates left: Aroldis Chapman, Sam LeCure, Manny Parra, Jumbo Diaz, Burke Badenhop, J.J. Hoover, Michael Lorenzon and Raisel Iglesias.

Hoover is probably the odd man out.

THERE WILL BE a second book-signing for my book, ‘The Real McCoy,’ tonight from 7 to 9 at Books & Company at The Greene Town Center in Beavercreek/Kettering.

CBSSPORTS.COM Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman fine after 'miscommunication' By Brandon Wise / CBSSports.com

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman was believed to have suffered a slight hamstring injury in Tuesday's game against the Brewers, but manager Bryan Price may have misunderstood the pitcher, reports MLB.com.

"We went out there to check on him and the hamstring came up, and just with that history we were extra cautious," Price said. "And by the sounds of it, it may be a non-issue completely."

Chapman was visibly upset with Price when he decided to remove him from the game after facing just one batter.

"By the time the smoke cleared, Chappy was back in the dugout and Brayan got back in the dugout after the half-inning, I just think there might've been a misunderstanding," Price said. "So it's fine. It's frustrating for Chappy but in the big picture, nothing critical."

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco expected to return Wednesday By Brandon Wise / CBSSports.com

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco missed Tuesday's game with a cramp in his left quadriceps suffered in a game over the weekend, but is hoping to play Wednesday, reports MLB.com.

"I'm optimistically thinking that he'll be ready to play tomorrow," manager Bryan Price said Tuesday morning. "[What I don't want to do with injured players] is to put them in there and find out they can't go, or shouldn't go."

Mesoraco is hitting .214 with two home runs and four RBI in 11 spring training games.

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman removed for precautionary reasons By Brandon Wise / CBSSports.com

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman was removed from Tuesday's game for precautionary reasons due to concerns about his right hamstring, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Chapman, who looked like he wanted to stay in the game, pitched to just one batter and did not allow a hit in his brief outing. He has posted a 3.18 ERA and 16:3 K:BB ratio in 11 1/3 innings this spring.

MLB suspends Jose Mijares 50 games for drug of abuse By Igor Mello / CBSSports.com

Free agent left-hander Jose Mijares was suspended 50 games without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse, the office of the commissioner of baseball announced on Tuesday, per HardballTalk.com.

Mijares was released by the Reds last week. He surrendered three earned runs on 5 1/3 innings this spring.

FOXSPORTSOHIO.COM FOX Sports Ohio announces Reds Opening Day coverage By FOX Sports Ohio

CINCINNATI, OHIO -- As Cincinnati celebrates the return of Reds baseball, FOX Sports Ohio is excited to announce its extended coverage of Cincinnati Reds Opening Day on Monday, April 6th. Last year, FOX Sports Ohio presented 10 hours of Reds Opening Day coverage with live reporting from all over Cincinnati. This year, the network looks to outdo itself in showcasing Reds Opening Day like you've never seen it before. Fans should tune in to FOX Sports Ohio starting at 9:00am for a full day of live coverage of one of the biggest Opening Day celebrations in all of MLB.

The network will feature interviews with guests from the Reds and local community with live coverage of the city-wide celebration. A broadcast team of eight, including Reds broadcasters Chris Welsh, Jim Day, Jeff Piecoro, George Grande and Brian Giesenschlag, will all play a role. Cincinnati weathercaster Pat Barry will return for FOX Sports Ohio's Opening Day coverage and local WXIX FOX19 anchor Tricia Macke and national sportscaster Lauren Gardner will also join the broadcast team for the day. See below for the day's coverage schedule.

FOX Sports Ohio Girl Kristine and the FOX Sports Ohio Reds Fan Express will also be part of celebration.

Follow FOX Sports Ohio's Opening Day coverage on social media with #RedsOpeningDay. Join the conversation using the hashtag, and your tweets could make the air! Tag your photos with #RedsOpeningDay to be retweeted by @FOXSportsOH and to be posted on FOXSportsOhio.com! Fans can also visit FOXSportsOhio.com all day long for video and editorial coverage. Follow FOXSportsOhio.com Reds feature writer Kevin Goheen on Twitter @FSOGoGo.

Starting at 9:00am:

-- Catch the hour-long Reds Weekly Season Preview

Beginning at 10:00am:

-- Piecoro and Giesenschlag will host from Washington Park.

-- Grande and Welsh will anchor from the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at The Banks.

-- Gardner will cover celebration from Fountain Square.

-- Barry will be live from Findlay Market.

-- Day will provide updates from Great American Ball Park leading up to Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.

There is a week to go before the Reds open the regular season. That's still time to decide on a few roster spots, for players to make their cases to be in uniform on Opening Day.

Opening Day Parade:

-- Day and Macke will host parade coverage starting at 12 noon from Washington Park. Barry will report from parade step off area and Gardner will cover from Fountain Square.

-- Welsh and will be in the parade along with the Fan Express and the Madisonville Braves, FOX Sports Ohio's sponsored youth baseball team in partnership with the Reds Community Fund.

Reds Fan Cam at 1:00pm:

-- FOX Sports Ohio Girl Kristine will host the first Reds Fan Cam of the season at the Holy Grail 1:00pm -- 3:00pm where fans can play games, win cool prizes, and answer trivia to be on Reds Live postgame show.

Reds Live pregame show at 2:30pm:

-- A special 90-minute Reds Live pre-game show will begin at 2:30pm. Giesenschlag and Piecoro will host from the desk and Day will report from the field. The show, presented by Ray St. Clair Roofing, will provide fans commentary, features, and in-depth pregame coverage including the on-field ceremonies. #RedsLive

Reds vs. Pirates at 4:00pm:

-- Coverage of Reds-Pirates will begin at 4:00pm. Welsh and Brennaman will call the action. #FSOReds

-- Chat live with Hall of Fame writer Hal McCoy during the game on FOXSportsOhio.com.

Reds Live postgame show

-- Immediately following the final out, Reds Live postgame show, presented by Performance Kings Honda, will include highlights, player interviews and analysis. Day will host from the desk and Piecoro will report from the dugout.

-- Fans can also get postgame insight from Goheen on FOXSportsOhio.com.

Lorenzen, Iglesias learning on the fly for Reds By Kevin Goheen / FOX Sports Ohio

PHOENIX -- Maybe there's too much being made about who the fifth starter is going to be for the Reds at the start of the season. Whether it's Michael Lorenzen or Raisel Iglesias or another pitcher elsewhere, chances are the guy is only going make one or two starts in April before Homer Bailey returns and begins taking the ball every fifth day.

Rest assured it's a big deal to whoever that pitcher turns out to be, and it's a big deal for manager Bryan Price.

Lorenzen went four innings against Milwaukee on Tuesday in his final start of the spring schedule, while Iglesias will get his final tune-up on Wednesday in a minor-league game. Neither has any experience pitching at the Major League Baseball level aside from what they've done so far this spring in Arizona. They've taken some lumps but also have shown off the promise Price and the organization sees in them.

Lorenzen survived a shaky first inning Tuesday against a formidable Brewers lineup but settled down over his final three innings, retiring the final five batters he faced in a row. He walked lead-off batter Carlos Gomez and then gave up consecutive singles to Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun as Milwaukee took a 1-0 lead. Aramis Ramirez followed by ripping a line shot that second baseman Kristopher Negron was able to snare. Negron threw to shortstop Zack Cozart covering the bag at second base to easily double up Lucroy.

Opposing pitcher Mike Fiers drove a hit off of Lorenzen into the left-center field gap that hopped the wall for a two-double in the second inning but Lorenzen got Gomez to fly out to Jay Bruce in right field and end that threat.

It's all a learning process for Lorenzen and Iglesias.

"Whenever you face big leaguers it's the best of the best so it's always going to be a test," said Lorenzen. "It was fun, it was a good, competitive environment. They got on me early and then we (Lorenzen and catcher Brayan Pena) started mixing it up a little bit... It ended up really good. It made me feel a lot better about myself and where I'm at being able to compete at this level."

As things stand at this point, the fifth starter won't be needed until April 12 against St. Louis, the final game of the season-opening six-game home stand for the Reds. Bailey, who is building his innings up following surgery last September to repair a torn flexor mass in his right forearm, is on track to return to the rotation while the Reds are on a 10-game road trip to , St. Louis and Milwaukee from April 13-23.

When Bailey returns, whoever is that fill-in pitcher will either pitch out of the bullpen or possibly be sent to Triple-A Louisville to continue starting every fifth day.

Price has been impressed with both Lorenzen and Iglesias, although he has not announced what role either will be performing when the season begins, or that either has actually made the Opening Day roster.

"He's going to go out there and he's going to pitch and he's going to give us an option as a guy that can start," said Price of Lorenzen Tuesday morning before the game against Milwaukee.

That was basically the same thing he said about Iglesias. The reason Iglesias will be pitching in a minor league game on Wednesday is because Johnny Cueto is pitching in the Cactus League game against Arizona. It's Cueto's final start of the spring before Opening Day. Iglesias won't get another chance to pitch to MLB competition before the team breaks camp.

"It's scheduling. He has to pitch, he has to get stretched out," said Price. "He's obviously a consideration as one of our starters and has a very good chance of making our club."

NBC SPORTS 2015 Preview: Cincinnati Reds By NBC Sports

Between now and Opening Day, HardballTalk will take a look at each of baseball’s 30 teams, asking the key questions, the not-so- key questions, and generally breaking down their chances for the 2015 season. Next up: The Cincinnati Reds.

The Big Question: Is the fun over in Cincy?

The Reds won a 36-year-high 97 games in 2012 and they finished with 90 wins in 2013, but a combination of key injuries and poor individual performances led the club to a disappointing 76-86 record and fourth-place finish in the National League Central in 2014.

And there isn’t a ton of reason for optimism in 2015.

Joey Votto is fully recovered from his distal quad strain, Jay Bruce is capable of a bounceback, and young speedster Billy Hamilton should take a step forward offensively after batting just .250/.292/.355 in 611 plate appearances as a rookie, but the Reds don’t appear to have the kind of well-rounded major league roster that will allow them to seriously compete in a division that suddenly looks like the deepest in all of baseball.

The rotation is in pretty rough waters, for the upcoming season and especially long term. Homer Bailey had an underwhelming 3.71 ERA (97 ERA+) over 145 2/3 innings last year — the first year of a six-year, $105 million contract — and he will open the 2015 campaign on a minor league rehab assignment following September surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. Taking his place will be 36-year-old righty Jason Marquis, who didn’t make an appearance at the major league level in 2014. was shipped off to the Marlins in December because he had one year left on his contract and the Reds knew they weren’t going to be able to lock him up to a long-term deal. Extension talks don’t seem to be trending in a positive direction with Johnny Cueto, who is among the best starters in baseball but could very well be leaving Cincinnati for good next offseason. Tony Cingrani was shifted to the bullpen in a curious spring training decision so that Raisel Iglesias — an unproven Cuban right-hander — can slide into the starting corps. Iglesias pitched almost exclusively in relief in Serie Nacional. He gave up six runs to the Brewers in his latest Cactus League start.

Mike Leake is solid, and Anthony DeSclafani — part of the return package for Latos — carries some upside at age 24. But there are a whole lot of question marks surrounding this group and that’s an ominous situation for a team that plays 81 games per year in one of the least pitcher-friendly stadiums in Major League Baseball.

Cincinnati’s bullpen doesn’t offer anything inspiring beyond its flame-throwing closer and 22-year-old top pitching prospect Robert Stephenson probably won’t be ready for his MLB debut until the second half. Maybe the Reds can slug their way into contention, but here’s guessing that won’t work in the NL Central in 2015.

What else is going on?

The lineup does have a nice mix of dynamic offensive contributors. Todd Frazier finished in a tie with for the most home runs by a third baseman (29) last season and he led all major league third basemen in stolen bases with 20. Young catcher Devin Mesoraco was one of Major League Baseball’s breakout stars in 2014, producing an .893 OPS (149 OPS+) with 25 home runs and 80 RBI in 114 games. Offseason addition Marlon Byrd collected 25 home runs and 85 RBI in 154 games with the Phillies last summer. Votto, Bruce, and Hamilton — as mentioned above — should all be very good.

Aroldis Chapman has been a steal so far for Cincinnati, boasting a 2.32 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 430 strikeouts in 252 2/3 innings over the first five years of the six-year, $30 million deal that he signed after defecting from his native Cuba in 2010. But he opted into arbitration this winter and settled with the Reds at $8.05 million. He gets one more year of arbitration in 2016 and can then become a free agent. Will the Reds consider trading him after they get done hosting the 2015 All-Star Game festivities?

Brandon Phillips has registered a weak .714 OPS (95 OPS+) in 419 games since signing a six-year, $72.5 million contract extension with the Reds at the beginning of the 2012 season. He was praised for his clutch hitting ability after tallying 103 RBI in 2013, but analytical baseball people knew that lofty total was more the product of Votto and former Reds leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo. Phillips finished with just 51 RBI in 2014 and he slugged just eight home runs — an 11-year low. Yet the veteran second baseman is still being penciled in as the Reds’ No. 3 hitter behind Hamilton and Votto by manager Bryan Price.

Prediction: A potent offense but messy pitching leaves the Reds with 81 wins and a last-place finish in a loaded National League Central. Go ahead and pencil them in for a last-place finish in 2016 as well.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Bruce hits 3-run homer in Reds' win over Brewers By The Associated Press

PHOENIX — Jay Bruce snapped a spring slump with a three-run homer among his two hits and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Milwaukee Brewers 10-4 on Tuesday.

Bruce, who was hitting .162 coming in, scored twice and singled during a five-run sixth inning.

Michael Lorenzen helped his cause in a bid for the Reds' final rotation spot by allowing four hits and one run over four innings against the Brewers' opening-day lineup.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman left the game after pitching to one batter in the fifth inning for precautionary reasons. There were initial concerns about his right hamstring, but Chapman said there was no injury. It may have been more of a miscommunication, Reds manager Bryan Price said.

"We went out to check on him and the word 'hamstring' came up and with his history, we were being extra cautious," Price said. "It may be a non-issue and no more than a miscommunication. But at this point in time, there was way to take a chance there. I don't think there is anything to worry about."

Ryan Braun had an RBI single in the first inning for the Brewers. Adam Lind and had RBI singles in the sixth.

Mike Fiers, who will be the No. 5 starter for Milwaukee, allowed only three hits over five innings but walked four.

STARTING TIME

Reds: Lorenzen's ERA for the spring is 1.80 and he handled Milwaukee's everyday lineup well.

"It was a fun, competitive environment. They got on me early and we started mixing it up a little bit," he said. "I threw a 3-2 to strike out Braun that was huge. That let (catcher Brayan) Pena know 'I can trust his changeup and his slider' and we started mixing up a little more. It made me feel a lot better about myself and where I'm at to compete at this level."

Brewers: Fiers will stay behind and get one more start in a minor league game here on Sunday. He wants the extra work after missing a turn with a minor shoulder setback two weeks ago.

"For me, it's good to get back out there to face more hitters and work on my stuff again," he said. "I don't think I'm 100 percent ready, so I'll take one more before the real one. I felt good today but I'll take another one."

GREGG MAKES THE REDS

The Reds informed RHP Kevin Gregg that he has made team as a non-roster invite. The 36-year-old Gregg, who allowed two earned runs in seven appearances in Cactus League play, struck out six and did not allow a batter.

ROSTER MOVES

The Brewers trimmed their roster to 27 on Tuesday, sending C Juan Centeno, INF Matt Clark, INF/OF Jason Rogers, RHP Rob Wooten to their Triple-A affiliate, the Colorado Sky Sox.

Both Rogers (.351) and Clark (.341) hit well this spring but general manager Doug Melvin said the final spot will go to either INF Elian Herrera or OF Logan Schafer with an emphasis on defense.

"We feel it's better for both of them to go out, get regular at-bats and be ready in case something did happen over the long haul," Melvin said. "The bench is going to be more defense oriented. Our bats are in the lineup."

Milwaukee also sent C Nevan Ashley, OF Matt Long and RHP Ariel Pena to their minor league camp for reassignment.

UP NEXT

Reds: RHP Johnny Cueto will start against the Diamondbacks in Goodyear. RHP Homer Bailey will start a minor league game in the morning.

Brewers: RHP Kyle Lohse, the opening-day starter, will make his final spring tuneup against the in Mesa.

TRANSACTIONS Date Transaction 03/31/15 placed LF Domonic Brown on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27, 2015. tendinitis in left achilles RHP Justin McCalvin assigned to . RHP Brad Schreiber assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. C Brian Jeroloman assigned to . LHP Blaine Howell assigned to Cincinnati Reds. RHP Chad Rogers assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Jose Fernandez assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Reydel Medina assigned to Cincinnati Reds. C Francisco Diaz assigned to . 1B Willians Astudillo assigned to Philadelphia Phillies. LHP Felix Carvallo assigned to . CF Josh Almonte assigned to . OF D'vone McClure assigned to . 2B Colin Walsh assigned to . RHP Montreal Robertson assigned to . RHP Montreal Robertson assigned to Detroit Tigers. 3B Pat Blair assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. LHP Jordan Harrison assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. 2B Hector Guevara assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. RHP Josh Kimborowicz assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. RHP Edwin Fierro assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. RHP Kyle Haynes assigned to . SS Kevin Nolan assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. RHP Reinier Roibal assigned to Philadelphia Phillies. RHP Arik Sikula assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. RHP Alberto Tirado assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. OF Collin Slaybaugh assigned to New York Yankees. OF Matt Newman assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. LHP Ethan Stewart assigned to Philadelphia Phillies. RHP Brett McKinney assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. SS assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. LF assigned to Washington Nationals. 1B Jonathan Rodriguez assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. LF Luis Mendez assigned to Texas Rangers. 1B Rock Shoulders assigned to Texas Rangers. CF Zach Cone assigned to Texas Rangers. C Carlos Garay assigned to Texas Rangers. LHP Shane McCain assigned to Texas Rangers. 2B Omar Artsen assigned to . RHP Patrick Kaminska assigned to Texas Rangers. 1B Rowdy Tellez assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. 3B Zack Cox assigned to Miami Marlins. RHP Justin Sprenger assigned to Texas Rangers. LHP Kyle Bird assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. LHP Steve Ascher assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. CF Yefri Perez assigned to Miami Marlins. LHP Payton Baskette assigned to San Diego Padres. C Jeremy Rodriguez assigned to San Diego Padres. 2B Jack Lopez assigned to . designated CF Gary Brown for assignment. optioned Nick Tropeano to Salt Lake Bees. Milwaukee Brewers optioned Rob Wooten to Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Milwaukee Brewers optioned Jason Rogers to Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Milwaukee Brewers optioned Matt Clark to Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Toronto Blue Jays optioned Josh Thole to Buffalo Bisons. optioned Dario Alvarez to Binghamton Mets. Pittsburgh Pirates optioned Rob Scahill to . Pittsburgh Pirates optioned John Holdzkom to Indianapolis Indians. optioned Charlie Culberson to Albuquerque Isotopes. optioned Aaron Thompson to Rochester Red Wings. sent Zoilo Almonte outright to Gwinnett Braves. Colorado Rockies traded C Audry Perez to Baltimore Orioles for cash. Texas Rangers traded 2B Elliot Johnson to for cash. traded RHP Erasmo Ramirez to Tampa Bay Rays for Mike Montgomery. Kansas City Royals released 2B Rafael Furcal. Toronto Blue Jays released RF Dayan Viciedo. Texas Rangers released RHP Jamey Wright. Seattle Mariners released RF Endy Chavez. Miami Marlins released RHP Nick Masset. Red Sox released RHP Felipe Paulino. Philadelphia Phillies released RHP Kevin Slowey. Tampa Bay Rays released 2B Alexi Casilla. San Francisco Giants selected the contract of Justin Maxwell from Sacramento River Cats.