Press Clippings March 29, 2017

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1977 - The Reds complete a trade with the Cardinals for the second day in a row, exchanging for . During his 14-game stint with the Reds, Caldwell will produce a 4.01 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched, with one save

MLB.COM Prospects Davis, Garrett make Reds' rotation By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | March 28th, 2017 + 15 COMMENTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One day before breaking camp and heading to Cincinnati, the Reds made what will likely be their final 25- man roster decisions. However the team that faces the Phillies Monday on could change quickly.

In the meantime, prospects Rookie Davis and Amir Garrett earned the third and fourth spots in the rotation, respectively. Cody Reed is technically listed as the fifth starter until is ready to be added, which won't happen before rosters are officially set on Sunday.

"Cody Reed is going to start the season in the bullpen, but we have him slated for a start as well," Reds manager said. "We're going to see how everything shakes out with Bronson before we make any other decisions in regards to the rotation."

Davis, 23, was viewed as a long shot to make the rotation when camp opened because he had just five games of Triple-A experience last season -- a year in which he was often injured while in Double-A. MLBPipeline.com ranks him as the Reds' No. 17 prospect.

"We thought, from a maturity standpoint, he could handle making the jump to the big leagues," Price said.

Garrett, ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the Reds' No. 2 prospect, also had a strong camp until his final start.

"He's unbelievably aggressive and poised, and he never stops coming at you. And that made a big difference," Price said.

Scott Feldman and Brandon Finnegan are the top two starters in the rotation. Two other rotation contenders -- Sal Romano and Tim Adleman -- were optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Right-hander Robert Stephenson will begin the season as a member of the eight- man bullpen.

Joining Stephenson in the bullpen were right-hander Barrett Astin and left-hander Wandy Peralta. Also in the bullpen are Raisel Iglesias, Drew Storen, Michael Lorenzen, Blake Wood and Tony Cingrani.

Two non-roster relievers -- lefty and right-hander Louis Coleman -- were also reassigned to the Minor Leagues.

Catcher Rob Brantly was reassigned to the Minor Leagues. Rule 5 Draft pick Stuart Turner will open the season as the backup to Tucker Barnhart until Devin Mesoraco is ready to return from the right hip and left shoulder surgeries he underwent last year.

"You take him if you think he can stay and stick in the big leagues," Reds general manager Dick Williams said. "He made a lot of progress. We feel very comfortable opening the season with him as one of the two . Devin has a little ways to go."

The rest of the Reds bench will have Arismendy Alcantara, Patrick Kivlehan and , who was claimed off waivers on Tuesday from the Brewers. His pickup cost Desmond Jennings, who was cut. Also sent to Minor League camp were infielders , Hernan Iribarren and Sebastian Elizalde.

Williams felt that the final roster decisions were hard.

"They were difficult in a good way," Williams said. "Guys came in and competed and a bunch of those guys that got optioned out really represented themselves well, played well.

"Of that group of young , I don't think anybody should expect to see those guys lined up that particular way for very long. Romano is in the Minors right now. He is going to pitch in the big leagues. Those guys that are in the big leagues, they will have time in Triple-A. It's very possible that any of those guys could appear for a certain period of time in the Major League bullpen. There's a lot of ways you can get these guys experience, a lot of ways to manage their innings. I would not read into this Opening Day setup as some permanent pref-list or ranking.'"

Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League or its clubs.

Price 'very satisfied' with Arroyo's outing By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | March 28th, 2017 + 0 COMMENTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- In a game vs. Dodgers Triple-A players on Tuesday, Reds righty Bronson Arroyo threw 74 pitches over 4 1/3 innings. He gave up three earned runs on five hits with no walks and three .

In his third inning of work, Arroyo did give up back-to-back-to-back homers.

"I thought he looked great," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Three well- fly balls that were 'Field 3' homers. They were hit decent, but they weren't traditional home runs. His velocity was up bumping 88, which was good to see. He has a game plan with what he's doing. He stayed almost exclusively inside on the hitters, and that was more than anything to keep them away from being able to extend. That put him in a position to be vulnerable for the long fly ball. But that was his game plan, and he executed it. I'm very, very satisfied with the way he's been throwing."

Arroyo, a non-roster invitee who pitched for Cincinnati from 2006-13, will make one more Minor League start on Sunday. But it will come after the Reds have to submit their Opening Day roster, so the 40-year-old right-hander won't officially make the team when the season opens. But if he stays healthy in his final start, he will complete a comeback after over two years out of the big leagues because of arm injuries.

If there are no issues, Arroyo could make his regular-season debut on April 8 at St. Louis. To open the season, left-hander Cody Reed will have a spot in the rotation but be available out of the bullpen for the first few days. Price and general manager Dick Williams also expect Reed to get a start in the big leagues early on.

"There's a way through this, but it also gives us a chance to have [Arroyo] pitch another time and make sure he says, 'Yeah, I'm ready,'" Price said. "And he gets the reps and the ups and downs, and that's why these Minor League games have been so important for him. I anticipate him being ready, but this is the only way we cover ourselves, if we have somebody ready as a just-in-case fallback."

Worth noting

• Reliever Raisel Iglesias threw a side bullpen session on Tuesday morning without incident. Iglesias has not pitched in a game since March 14 because of a bone bruise in his right elbow from a fall. But Price said the right-hander will break camp with the club and should be ready to begin the season on the active roster.

• Homer Bailey (elbow surgery) played catch for the first time on Monday and reached a distance of 90 feet. There were no issues and his throwing program will progress.

• Fellow starter Anthony DeSclafani, who has an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his right elbow, is continuing with his rehab. DeSclafani recently underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection to speed his healing process.

Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of or its clubs.

Duvall takes Dodgers deep twice By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | March 28th, 2017 + 15 COMMENTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Adam Duvall slugged a pair of home runs during a three-hit, four-RBI game as the Reds topped a Dodgers split squad, 9-3, on Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark.

The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the second inning when Cody Bellinger hit a two- homer to right field against Reds starter . Arismendy Alcantara answered in the bottom half with his two-out solo homer to center field against Dodgers left-hander .

Eugenio Suarez and Scott Schebler contributed RBI singles for the Reds in the third inning. In the fourth, Billy Hamilton hit a one- out double, stole third base and was awarded home on interference by Rob Segedin as the Dodgers 's throw got away into left field. Duvall, who hit an RBI single in the first inning, made it a four-run game with a leadoff homer to right field in the fifth. In the bottom of the seventh against reliever , Duvall launched a two-run homer to right field -- giving him five for the spring.

Wood, a candidate for the Dodgers' rotation, allowed six runs (five earned) on 11 hits and a walk. He struck out four in his six innings.

"He threw the ball well," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "There was certainly some bad luck out there."

In his final spring outing before he starts on Opening Day, Monday vs. the Phillies, Feldman gave up two earned runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings. He walked two, hit a batter and struck out four.

"I'm really pretty happy that I feel strong and ready to go for the season," Feldman said. "No issues with my arm or any body part. I just feel nice and healthy and ready to go."

Dodgers Up Next: Wednesday is Getaway Day for the Dodgers, who break camp after playing the Mariners in Peoria in 's final tune-up before his Opening Day assignment, Monday vs. the Padres. Kershaw likely will pitch three innings and the 1:10 p.m. PT game will be aired on MLB Network and MLB.TV. Most Dodgers regulars, however, will have headed for California after Tuesday's games.

Reds Up Next: The Cactus League schedule also concludes on Wednesday for the Reds, with a 3:05 p.m. ET game vs. the Indians at Goodyear Ballpark that will be carried on MLB.TV. No. 2 starter Brandon Finnegan will make his final tune-up on the mound. The club will break camp and return to Cincinnati after the game.

Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.

Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Reds claim Gennett off waivers from Brewers By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | @m_sheldon | March 28th, 2017 + 85 COMMENTS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Reds' 25-man roster became clearer on Tuesday with several cuts and one addition -- utility infielder Scooter Gennett, who was claimed off of waivers from the Brewers.

Gennett -- a 26-year-old Cincinnati native who grew up in Sarasota, Fla. -- is set to make $2.525 million this season. He has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining, as well as one Minor League option. He batted .263/.317/.412 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs in 136 games last season, and he figures to join the Reds' bench.

"It's kind of ironic, being born there and being a big Reds fan growing up," said Gennett, who lived in Cincinnati until he was 9 and returned at 17 to play travel baseball. "So it's a little surreal. But it's a big league ballclub, and there's a job to do, so that stuff's cool, but it's, 'How can I help the team?'"

The Reds lost /outfielder Christian Walker on a roster claim by the D-backs, and that opened a spot on the 40-man roster for Gennett.

Cincinnati will carry four players on its bench and use an eight-man bullpen to open the season.

"Especially starting the season with a four-man bench, having a true left-handed hitter and a presence, I think he can handle that role when he's not in the lineup. It's an important need," Reds manager Bryan Price said.

Gennett has played most of his big league career at second base, but featured him at other spots this spring, including third base and the corner-outfield spots.

"It will be somewhat of a transition for him, I'm sure," Price said. "Last year when they moved him around a bit, I didn't know if their idea was super utility or him spending more time as a bench player. But we would not have made this claim if we did not have total confidence in his ability to handle what we're going to give him as far as playing time and role."

Gennett was a career .295 hitter vs. the Reds, with all five homers against them hit at Great American Ball Park.

"This gives Bryan a legitimate late-inning pinch-hitting option against hard-throwing righties," Reds general manager Dick Williams said. "But it also gives us a good hard-nosed ballplayer that fits with the personality of our team."

Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05. Follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon and Facebook and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Bronson Arroyo: 'I'm literally about to pull off the impossible' Zach Buchanan , [email protected] Published 5:13 p.m. ET March 27, 2017 | Updated 4 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Bronson Arroyo feels normal, and that’s pretty abnormal.

It’s been nearly three years since the 40-year-old has thrown a pitch in the major leagues. He’s spent most of that time fighting to come back from shoulder and elbow surgeries, unable to get his aging body to rebound.

But now he feels healthy, with nothing remarkable to report about his preparation for the regular season. Now, he’s on the verge of pitching in a major-league rotation – or in the majors at all – for the first time since 2014.

“I’m literally about to pull off the impossible,” Arroyo said. “That’s the way I see it.”

The Cincinnati Reds signed Arroyo to a minor-league deal just as began, taking the low-risk bet that he was finally healthy. After an injury to Anthony DeSclafani left the rotation short of experience, they’ll be relying on him more than they could have expected.

No one with the Reds has said for certain that Arroyo will join the rotation, not wanting to count on his health before it’s absolutely proven. The veteran still has two more starts against minor-leaguers to build up his arm, one Tuesday and one the day before Cincinnati opens the season against the .

But manager Bryan Price is confident Arroyo will complete his comeback.

“I don’t have any doubt at this point in time that he’s going to be pitching in the big leagues with us,” Price said.

To Arroyo, the final two spring outings are a formality. He was convinced his body could handle the load after his most recent start, in which he threw four innings and topped 60 pitches. The Reds, while optimistic, might need a bit more convincing.

As he often does, Arroyo turns to a story about frontman to make his point. The two are friends, and Vedder once invited Arroyo on the stage to play a song on the guitar. It took a few bars from Arroyo until Vedder was convinced enough to look away and start singing.

The Reds have yet to fully look away and let Arroyo play.

“I think I’ve gotten half of that stare off of me,” Arroyo said. “But not the whole thing.”

Arroyo knows it will take a while to convince the baseball world he can still pitch. The Reds may or may not afford him the starts it would take to prove it.

He’s essentially in the rotation now, but might not be for the long haul. DeSclafani and fellow right-hander Homer Bailey are due back around June. The Reds will fill their rotation with three young pitchers to start the year and have five or six others who are on the verge of the majors as well.

If enough of them click, they’d take priority over the old guy with a low-80s . But they’ll have to take his spot over his 40- year-old body.

“I’m looking to throw 200 innings,” Arroyo said. “Whoever else is in this rotation, they’re going to have to work their ass off to throw more innings than Bronson Arroyo this year. That’s just the way I see it, and I don’t think it’s fiction.”

Arroyo thinks it will take until mid-May to satisfy all the questions about his health, age and capability. It’s not unreasonable to think he’d be in the rotation that long. Bailey and DeSclafani will not yet have returned, and the Reds could young pitchers in the minors to gain an extra year of control and avoid Super Two eligibility.

He may wind up crowded out of the rotation picture in Cincinnati in the long run, but there are 29 other teams paying attention if that happens.

“Honestly, I can't tell the difference between my body right now and 2010,” he said. “I just feel good out on the field. I feel like I’ve got enough in me to compete at this level with no problem. I’m getting excited about it.”

Young arms make Reds' rotation Zach Buchanan and C. Trent Rosecrans , Cincinnati Published 10:01 p.m. ET March 28, 2017 | Updated 11 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Rookies Rookie Davis and Amir Garrett will start the 2017 season in the Reds’ rotation, and 40-year-old Bronson Arroyo could follow them, if he passes one final hurdle.

Reds manager Bryan Price and general manager Dick Williams met with players Tuesday to tell them of the team’s plans to start the season, then announced the moves after the team’s game against the Dodgers.

Davis will start the Reds’ third game of the season, April 6 against the Phillies, and Garrett will make his big-league debut the next day in St. Louis. Arroyo, who will pitch in an intra-squad game in Arizona on Sunday, could pitch Aug. 8 in St. Louis if he gets through his final spring outing.

Neither Davis nor Garrett has pitched in the big leagues before. On the depth chart, they surpassed left-hander Cody Reed and Robert Stephenson, who both will begin the season in the bullpen. Reed is scheduled for a start down the line, and the Reds intend to return Stephenson to starting at an undetermined point this season.

For all the young pitchers – including those optioned to the minors, like righties Sal Romano and Luis Castillo – the current hierarchy of major-league opportunities is not permanent.

“I don’t think anybody should expect to see those guys lined up that particular way for very long,” Williams said. “Romano is in the minors right now. He is going to pitch in the big leagues. Those guys that are in the big leagues, they will have time in Triple-A. It’s very possible that any of those guys could appear for a certain period of time in the Major League bullpen.”

The everyday lineup had been set — at least since the team said catcher Devin Mesoraco would start the season on the disabled list — but the bench changed even Tuesday morning when the team claimed Scooter Gennett off of waivers from the Brewers. His claiming pushed outfielder Desmond Jennings off the roster. Jennings was reassigned to minor-league camp, but he has an opt-out clause in his contract and is expected to explore his options.

With Mesoraco on the DL, Rule 5 pick Stuart Turner will begin the season in the big leagues. The Reds would have to keep him on the active roster all season or offer him back to the Twins, a prospect Williams did not rule out. He’ll be joined on the bench by utilitymen Arismendy Alcantara and Patrick Kivlehan.

The Reds will go with four bench players to begin the season, going heavy in the bullpen with so many inexperienced pitchers in the rotation. The bullpen had five spots locked before spring even began – Raisel Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen, Blake Wood, Tony Cingrani and Drew Storen – leaving three spots open. In addition to Stephenson, right-hander Barrett Astin and left-hander Wandy Peralta also will start with the Reds.

Reed could join them for the first week, but isn’t expected to stay there long. The Reds want Stephenson to get comfortable there as he adjusts to the majors, but still want him to start at some point in 2017.

“Nothing is written in stone,” Price said. “It could be anything. If on a need-be basis, put him back in the rotation or if he spends a certain period of time in the bullpen and we want him to start, then we would have to send him back to get stretched out in the minor leagues.”

The Reds will have to clear spots on the 40-man roster for Kivlehan and Arroyo. Cincinnati also has a history of last-second waiver claims, including last year with right-hander Dan Straily, but Williams said such a move looked less likely this time around.

“I feel like this is the group we have,” Williams said. “I feel pretty good about the players. There aren’t a lot of people on the 40- man that I could see being replaced at this point, like clear upgrades.”

Reds add Cincinnati native Scooter Gennett C. Trent Rosecrans , [email protected] Published 5:36 p.m. ET March 28, 2017 | Updated 12 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Scooter Gennett is coming back to Cincinnati.

The Reds claimed the 26-year-old off of waivers from the Brewers on Tuesday. Gennett was born in Cincinnati, but his family moved to Florida when he was 9.

“It’s kind of ironic, being born there and being a big Reds fan growing up. So it’s a little surreal,” Gennett told Milwaukee-based reporters. “But it’s a big league ballclub and there’s a job to do, so that stuff’s cool, but it’s, ‘how can I help the team?’ All that stuff is pretty cool. It will probably make a good story for you guys.”

Although he has primarily been a second baseman for the Brewers, the Reds claimed him with hopes he can bolster their bench with a left-handed hitter who they hope can play third base and left field, as well.

“I think when we looked at our club, especially starting the season with a four-man bench, having a true left-handed hitter and a presence, I think he can handle that role when he’s not in the lineup. It’s an important need,” Reds manager Bryan Price said.

Gennett has only played second base and left field in the majors, but has also played third base this spring, including in a game against the Reds. The Reds will start the season with eight pitchers in the bullpen, leaving a four-man bench.

Gennett had been replaced by Jonathan Villar at second base for the Brewers, who placed Gennett on waivers despite the fact he still had an option. By claiming Gennett, the Reds are responsible for his $2.525-million contract in 2017. He is under team control for two more years.

Last season Gennett played 136 games for the Brewers, including 121 starts at second base. He hit .263/.317/.412 with 14 home runs and is a career .279/.318/.420 hitter.

“It will be somewhat of a transition for him I’m sure. I don’t know what the Brewers intentions were for him — I do now,” Price said. “Last year when they moved him around a bit, I didn’t know if their idea was super utility or him spending more time as a bench player, but we would not have made this claim if we did not have total confidence in his ability to handle what we’re going to give him as far as playing time and role.”

This spring, Gennett played 19 2/3 innings at second base (three starts), 18 innings at third base (three starts), 22 innings in left field (five starts) and 10 innings in right field (two starts).

To make room for Gennett on the 40-man roster, the Reds waived 1B/OF Christian Walker. Walker, who was claimed off of waivers earlier this spring, was claimed by the Diamondbacks.

Injury updates

• Right-hander Raisel Iglesias threw a bullpen on Tuesday and is expected to be ready for Opening Day, Price said. Iglesias, who is expected to serve as one of the team’s late-inning bullpen arms, will travel back to Cincinnati with the team and pitch in one of the two exhibition games against Reds’ minor leaguers.

• Right-hander Nefi Ogando is expected to pitch in Wednesday’s Cactus League finale. Ogando is dealing with inflammation between the thumb and index finger on his right hand. It is not pitching-related, Price said, but does affect his pitching.

• Right-hander Homer Bailey played catch at 90 feet on Monday. “Everything went well,” Price said. “It's the beginning of throwing and making his progressions.”

• Minor-league second baseman Dilson Herrera played in the field for the first time this spring during a minor-league game. He had been dealing with a nagging shoulder problem since the start of camp.

Reds' Bronson Arroyo: 'I'm right where I want to be' C. Trent Rosecrans , [email protected] Published 6:19 p.m. ET March 28, 2017 | Updated 12 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — After throwing 73 pitches in a minor-league game on Tuesday, 40-year-old Reds starter Bronson Arroyo has just one more hurdle before he's ready to make his return to the big leagues. Arroyo will throw in an intrasquad game Sunday in Arizona, and if that goes well, he could be pitching for the Reds in St. Louis in the first weekend of the season.

The Reds will turn in a 25-man roster to Major League Baseball's offices Sunday that is unlikely to include Arroyo, who wouldn't be added to the roster until he's needed to pitch.

"Right now we’re preparing him to pitch on the 8th," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "But until he pitches on the 2nd, we’re not going to assign anything.”

But if everything goes as smoothly as it did in Tuesday's Triple-A start, Arroyo should be prepared to be in the Reds' rotation to start the season. Against the Dodgers' Triple-A team in Goodyear, Arroyo was throwing his fastball at 85 mph and hit 88 mph, according to scouts watching him on the back fields.

“I'm still a little light and I can gain a couple of more pounds, you never know, I might touch 90 on TV (in a regular-season game),” Arroyo said afterward. "I might get there. It's not much different than what I had in '13. I hit 89, 90 on good days. Everything feels great. I'm right where I want to be."

Arroyo allowed three runs on back-to-back-to-back home runs to three of the Dodgers' top prospects. Overall, he threw 73 pitches in 4 1/3 innings, allowed five total hits and struck out three.

“I can tell my body is as normal as ever been,” Arroyo said. “It's getting better every time. I felt stronger today, threw deeper into the game.”

Price watched the game from the team's tower between the four fields, sitting beside right-hander Homer Bailey, before moving to the big-league game a mile down the road at Goodyear Stadium.

"He has a game plan with what he’s doing. He … almost exclusively stayed inside on the hitters and that was more than anything to keep them away from being able to extend," Price said. "That put him in a position to be vulnerable to the long fly ball. But that was his game plan and he executed it. I’m very, very satisfied with the way he’s been throwing.”

Game report: Reds 9, Dodgers 3 Zach Buchanan , [email protected] 7:16 p.m. ET March 28, 2017

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – In their penultimate game of Cactus League play, the Cincinnati Reds beat the 9-3 on Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark.

THE ARMS

In his last outing before starting on Opening Day, RHP Scott Feldman gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out four.

Both runs scored in the second on a by Dodgers 1B Cody Bellinger. He finished with a 3.86 ERA in Cactus League play.

“I’m really pretty happy that I feel strong and ready to go for the season,” Feldman said. “No issues with my arm or any body part. I just feel nice and healthy and ready to go.”

For much of his career, the 34-year-old has searched for a usable change-up to add to his pitch mix. This spring with the Reds, he thinks he’s found one.

Feldman said he threw about 10 of them Tuesday against the Dodgers.

“I think as far as projects go over the years with my change-up, I would say this is the best that it’s gone,” Feldman said. “I feel like I can throw it and bring it into a Major League game and not be embarrassed to throw it.”

THE BATS

The Reds hit three home runs in a steady barrage of scoring off Dodgers pitchers, one from 2B Arismendy Alcantara and two from LF Adam Duvall. Duvall went 3 for 4 and Alcantara went 2 for 3. CF Billy Hamilton and SS Zack Cozart each went 2 for 4.

Hamilton also stole two bases and reached on an error.

THE REST

Feldman dirtied his jersey in the second in an attempt to go first to third on an error by 3B Rob Segedin. Feldman was nailed at third by LF Trayce Thompson.

UP NEXT

The Reds will technically be the home team for their Cactus League finale Wednesday when they “host” the at Goodyear Ballpark. LHP Brandon Finnegan will make his final Cactus League start after tuning up in a minor-league game his last time out. RHP Nefi Ogando is also expected to pitch for the first time in more than two weeks. RHP Carlos Carrasco will start for the Indians. The game will be carried on Fox Sports Ohio and on 700 WLW AM at 4:05 p.m. Eastern.

Reds make cuts, claim Scooter Gennett from Brewers C. Trent Rosecrans , [email protected] Published 1:38 p.m. ET March 28, 2017 | Updated 16 hours ago

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Reds claimed infielder Scooter Gennett off of waivers on Tuesday and sent seven players to minor- league camp.

Gennett fills the team’s need for a left-handed bat off the bench and the Reds believe he can play second base, third base and left field. The 26-year-old was born in Cincinnati but grew up in Sarasota, Florida. He takes the 40-man roster spot of hitter Christian Walker, who was claimed off waivers Tuesday by the .

Last year, Gennett .263 with a .317 on-base and .412 slugging. He is a .279/.318/.420 hitter for his career. He has significant vulnerabilities to left-handed pitching but has a .294 average and .777 OPS against right-handers for his career.

Gennett is set to make $2.525 million this year, his first of arbitration eligibility. He is under team control for two more seasons and has an option intact.

Among the seven sent to the minors were starting rotation candidates Sal Romano and Tim Adleman, both of whom were optioned to the minors. That leaves Robert Stephenson, Amir Garrett, Rookie Davis and Cody Reed battling for the final two rotation spots behind Scott Feldman, Brandon Finnegan and Bronson Arroyo.

Five other players were reassigned to minor-league camp: catcher Rob Brantly, infielders Hernan Iribarren and Tony Renda, and pitchers Louis Coleman and Lucas Luetge.

With Brantly being sent to the minors, it appears Rule 5 pick Stuart Turner will start the year with the Reds. The Reds would need to keep him on the roster all season or offer him back to the Twins.

Iribarren and Renda were battling for spots on the team’s bench, one of which will now go to Gennett. Arismendy Alcantara is expected to take one of the other four spots, leaving one spot left for Desmond Jennings, Patrick Kivlehan and Sebastian Elizalde.

Luetge and Coleman both were in the competition for one of three bullpen spots. Reds manager Bryan Price has said the young pitchers in competition for the rotation could start the season in the team’s bullpen.

Think will hit .300? Would you bet on it? Dave Clark , [email protected] 3:34 p.m. ET March 28, 2017

Reds first baseman Joey Votto has finished eight of his 10 big-league seasons with a batting average better than .300. (He hit .297 in 2008, and .255 in an injury-shortened 2014 campaign.)

But the over/under for the 33-year-old and .313 career hitter's 2017 batting average is .300. It is among regular-season prop wagers offered by www.bovada.lv.

Here are some others, as well as prop bets from Bovada for a couple of local products:

Joey Votto - Total HRs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 25.5

Joey Votto - Total RBIs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 80.5

Adam Duvall – Total HRs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 27.5

Adam Duvall – Total RBIs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 85.5

Eugenio Suarez – Total HRs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 19.5

Eugenio Suarez – Total RBIs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 69.5

Billy Hamilton - Total Stolen Bases in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 59.5

Anthony DeSclafani – Total Wins in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 10

Bovada: Reds' odds to win pennant 75/1 Bovada: Joey Votto, Kyle Schwarber have same MVP odds ' odds of winning 'DWTS' better than Reds' of winning Among local products:

Andrew Benintendi - BA in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under .290

Kyle Schwarber - Total HRs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 25.5

Kyle Schwarber - Total RBIs in the 2017 Regular Season Over/Under 80.5

SportsBettingDime.com offers 200/1 odds for the Reds to win the World Series, 5/1 odds for the Reds to lose 100+ games, 499/1 odds for the Reds and Indians to meet in the and 5/1 odds for former Madeira High School star Benintendi of the Red Sox to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

WCPO - Channel 9 Reds claim Scooter Gennett, Cincinnati native and fan, from Brewers Adelman optioned to Louisville WCPO Staff Posted: 4:17 PM, Mar 28, 2017 Updated: 4:57 PM, Mar 28, 2017

CINCINNATI - Scooter Gennett tells a strange tale about being born in Cincinnati and moving away to play baseball.

Gennett's baseball life came full circle Tuesday when the Reds claimed the 26-year-old second baseman and long-time Barry Larkin fan on waivers from the Brewers.

The Reds also optioned pitchers Rick Adleman and Sal Romano to AAA Louisville while trimming their roster in advance of Opening Day next Monday.

Gennett was a pretty good baseball prospect growing up here. But when he was 10, his dad and mom up and moved the family to Sarasota, Florida, so Scooter could play year-round.

"They basically quit their jobs," Gennett said in a Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel story in 2013. "They didn't have jobs waiting for them when they got to Florida. It sounds pretty crazy. Your kid is only 10 and you decide to do something like that. But they obviously saw something in me. And it ended up paying off.

His parents need not have worried that his son's baseball talents would go to waste in the icy tundra of the Queen City. The irony is that Cincinnati has produced 320 major-leaguers - more per capita than just about every city in the U.S.

Gennett says his love of baseball began at the age of 2, when he attended his first Reds game.

"Barry Larkin was my guy," said Gennett, who debuted with the Brewers in 2013 and became the regular second baseman that year. "I had his glove and I always looked up to him. He was a good guy on and off the field. It's where I set my goals to be."

The Brewers moved Jonathan Villar to second base this year and when they couldn't find a team that would trade for Gennett, they waived him and his $2.5 million salary.

Gennett, who can also play the outfield and third base, will add depth to the Reds' bench. He batted .263/.317/.412 in 498 ABs last year. He had 14 homers and 56 RBI. Gennett also has an option remaining.

"It’s kind of ironic, being born there and being a big Reds fan growing up," Gennett said Tuesday. "So, it’s a little surreal. But it’s a big league ballclub and there’s a job to do, so that stuff’s cool, but it’s, ‘How can I help the team?’"

The pitching moves leave Bronson Arroyo, Amir Garrett, Robert Stephenson, Cody Reed and Rookie Davis competing for the three open spots in the rotation when the season starts Monday.

Don't love baseball? Here's how to enjoy Opening Day (and the rest of the season, too) Brian Mains, Tasha Stewart Posted: 11:00 AM, Mar 28, 2017 Updated: 12:12 PM, Mar 28, 2017

CINCINNATI — Ahhh, baseball season is here.

We're already dreaming of hot dogs sizzling on the grill, cold beers on sunny afternoons and new bobbleheads to beef up our collections.

Oh, and the game, too (almost forgot to mention that).

We're totally into the spectacle of Opening Day. But truth be told, as far as the rest of the season, we're more interested in all the fun happening off the field at the ballpark than on.

With that in mind, here's a guide to the new season for the more casual Reds fan.

Opening Day/Week festivities

Reds Opening Day is one of those special experiences that Cincinnatians, baseball fans or not, look forward to all year. In recent years, the Reds have turned it into a days-long celebration of the team's first home series. Here are the biggest events to know.

The Block Party: The Queen City’s unofficial holiday kicks off at 11 a.m. April 3 with the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party, on Joe Nuxhall Way and Freedom Way right outside of Great American Ball Park. The party benefits the P&G Cincinnati MLB Urban Youth Academy and includes live music, beer trucks and tents from Anheuser-Busch, LaRosa’s pizza, the Queen City Sausage grill cart and Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine. The party runs through 4 p.m. on Opening Day.

Findlay Market Parade: The 98th Findlay Market Parade will start down Race Street from the market at noon April 3. This year’s parade grand marshal is former Red Sean Casey. The parade will end at the Taft Theatre. Just a reminder, the parade will delay the start of streetcar until it is over.

The ballpark's gates will open at 2:10 p.m., followed by the first pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at 4:10 p.m.

Kids Opening Day: GABP will show its kid-friendly colors with Kids Opening Day at 1:10 p.m. April 15 in a game versus the . The day will include a Reds baseball cap giveaway to children 14 years old and younger, a pregame party and parade outside of the ballpark and a red carpet, too.

What's new at the ballpark?

Food: Baseball games often go on for hours, so it's good to know what there is to eat at the ballpark. And this year, there's a lot of delicious new food on the concessions lineup. New offerings include Keystone Bar & Grill’s macaroni and cheese, specialty hot dogs at Porkopolis, a cherry drizzle chicken basket, banh mi and more yummy items. Graeter’s Ice Cream also will be available in Gapper’s Alley starting May

Free concert series: The Avett Brothers, Kaleo and Flo Rida will headline a series of free concerts at the ballpark this season. All that's required is the purchase of a game-day ticket for each concert.

Icelandic alternative rock band Kaleo kicks off the series on May 5, following the Reds' game against the and free post-game fireworks. Rapper Flo Rida will perform on Aug. 4 after the Reds' game against the St. Louis Cardinals and more free post-game fireworks. And the three-time Grammy-nominated Avett Brothers will perform Aug. 26 after the Reds game against the .

Theme ticket packages: The Reds also have announced new themed-night ticket packages for this season. The packages include an exclusive giveaway item and ticket to your game of choice within a certain date range.

The first theme package is inspired by FC Cincinnati, with tickets available April 14-16 as the Reds take on the . The package includes a limited-edition FC Cincinnati and Reds scarf, a 2017 FC Cincinnati game ticket voucher and a ticket of your choice to any of the Reds vs. Marlins games that weekend.

Other themes celebrate the Marvel Comics universe (April 21-23 and June 2-4); "Star Wars" (May 5-6); Margaritaville (July 14); the Peanuts cartoon (July 21-23); Elvis Presley (Aug. 4-5); Oktoberfest (Sept. 15-17); and the Cincinnati Reds' championship against the (Sept. 22-24). For more details about each package visit reds.com.

More bobbleheads and swag

There will be plenty of opportunities to snag some sweet merchandise. “Super Saturdays” return this season with premium items such as bobbleheads, shirts and baseball cap giveaways before each game. And don’t miss “Family Sunday” home games with giveaways for children, mascot races, carnival events and a discount ticket offer: Buy one ticket at full price and get up to three additional tickets at half price.

Special events

The Redlegs Run will take place on May 13 at Great American Ball Park. The 5K and 10K races benefit the Reds Community Fund.

Pete Rose statue dedication: The public unveiling of the Hit King's statue at Crosley Terrace, in front of Great American Ball Park, will take place June 17 before the Reds 4:10 p.m. game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans at the game will receive a replica statue.

“A Night of Their Own” baseball training night for women will take place on June 15.

Show how much you love that diehard Reds fan in your life by taking them to the Great American Date Night on Aug. 4.

Want to do yoga on the field? The popular “Sliding into Om” event is scheduled for Aug. 26.

And don't forget the ballpark patio

A visit to the ballpark's Cincinnati Bell Fioptics district with friends is a great option to enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day. The district, which opened in 2016 in sections 408 to 410 on the view level, is made up of drink rails and general seating near the third base line, the craft beer Gigabar, featuring virtual-reality booths, and a rooftop-level patio that overlooks Downtown.

Get Reds-themed paper toys

Download, print and make your very own Gapper paper toy at this link. (ICYMI, you can download paper toy versions of Rosie Red and Mr. Redlegs, too.)

Go Reds!

Sports from the Vault: Who could ever forget Mayor Mallory's wild first pitch on Opening Day 2007? ...Or the look on ' face Ryan Clark | WCPO contributor Posted: 5:00 AM, Mar 28, 2017 Updated: 12:44 PM, Mar 28, 2017

Bob Uecker uttered that famous phrase as broadcaster Harry Doyle in the movie "Major League" in 1989. But he could just as easily have been describing Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory's famous (infamous?) first-pitch throw at Reds Opening Day in 2007.

Are you already thinking about it? Is the memory stuck inside your head? It should be.

Because, as more than one news service has stated, on that day, the Cincinnati mayor threw the worst first-pitch in baseball history.

Let's take you back.

Mallory looked good at the start anyway, if a politician played baseball. He'd supposedly taken some time to practice and warm up. Clad in a black Reds jacket over his red tie, white shirt and slacks, he sported a black mitt on his left hand. His catcher, also dapper in a black suit with red pinstripes, was Reds legend Eric Davis. The photographers lined up to shoot and the fans seemed to actually be paying attention to the ceremonial pitch.

And they all got to witness greatness -- to a degree.

Mallory reared back and snapped a spinning screwball that traveled not toward Davis, but more than 20 feet away from home plate down the first base side.

Immediately, the Mayor shouted something as he watched the errant ball escape.

Everyone was stunned.

You could almost hear record-player needles screeching across vinyl.

It was that bad.

Stepping away from home plate, Eric Davis scrunched up his face, wincing painfully. The ball ended up bouncing off the foot of umpire Sam Holbrook, who then jokingly threw Mallory out of the game.

The game announcers did not spare him, either.

"That's one of the worst Opening Day pitches I've ever seen," said , the Reds TV broadcaster. "As fine an athlete, and as much ground as he could cover as a defender with the Reds, (Davis) couldn't catch up with that one."

No. No, he could not.

Few remember that the Reds went on to beat the Cubs 5-1 behind seven strong innings of one-run baseball from Aaron Harang. contributed two home runs to the cause.

Instead, Mallory became a nationwide punchline. From sea to shining sea, he was the talk of Opening Day. But even as the butt of the baseball joke, he handled it perfectly. He did not run from the attention; he embraced the attention.

Afterward, he had the perfect line for the Cincinnati Enquirer, when he said, "Eric Davis missed the sign. I called for a pitchout."

It built from there. Mallory's pitch -- and especially his reception to all the laughter – gained a life of its own. In his weekly meeting with the media, he presented a Letterman-esque Top Ten list of why his pitch didn't make it over the plate:

I have a shoulder injury from cracking the whip too hard on city council.

I got some last-minute tips from Lou Piniella.

I was protesting Ken Griffey's move to right field.

I didn't want to show up President Bush. He might put a wiretap on me.

I am saving my best stuff for the Bengals tryout.

First pitch? I thought I was throwing out the first bowling ball.

I grew up in the West End playing on concrete. Throwing on an actual field with grass and dirt threw me off.

Eric Davis' red shoes threw me off.

My best sport is putt-putt.

Eric Davis missed the sign. It was a pitch out.

Mallory was charming. He was self-deprecating and funny. His image soared. And he helped popularize the term, "You throw like a mayor."

Later that week he got a second chance when he was asked to be on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" late-night talk show.

Of course, that didn't work out, either. At least, not in a baseball sense.

Mallory's first throw again missed the target, instead sailing into the rows of people standing by to cheer him on -- but no worries, they all wore batting helmets for protection. Finally, actor Kurt Russell stepped in as catcher.

"Come on. Give me that again," Mallory said. He was then able to short-hop a throw over the plate on his "second, second chance," earning him a round of loud cheers. Mallory went on to make more appearances on Jimmy Kimmel's show and used his notoriety to tout Cincinnati's positives.

But until he left office in 2013, and even after, he was most known for his horrific pitch.

In 2015, the New York Daily News rated Mallory's pitch as the worst of all time, beating out throws made by (among others) a beauty queen, three female pop stars and a rapper.

TIME Magazine counted Mallory in its top 10 worst of all time, too, saying "Richard Nixon once said that a man unable to hold his own in a poker game was not fit to be president. The same could be said of politicians unable to hurl a Little League-caliber fastball."

Now, working as a senior vice president and national director of community economic development for an engineering services firm, Mallory is happy knowing he was able to use his notoriety to spread the good work of his town. He really did turn a negative into a positive.

"Who would have thought such a bad pitch could bring such good attention to the city of Cincinnati?" Mallory said afterward.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS Adleman, Romano out, Arroyo may be in Hal McCoy March 28, 2017

While the 1962 were in the dubious process of losing 120 games in the team’s first year of existence, manager/comedian Casey Stengel aske facetiously, “Can anybody here play this game?”

So far during spring exhibition games this year the mantra for the Cincinnati Reds is, “Can anybody here pitch?”

THE COMPETITION FOR available spots in the five-man Reds rotation was reduced by two Tuesday morning and it seems it is a matter of attrition.

Nobody is pitching their way into the rotation. They are pitching their way out of it.

Tim Adleman and Sal Romano were optioned to Class AAA Louisville, leaving four competitors for two spots.

It appears that 40-year-old Bronson Arroyo has pulled off the improbable. It never was impossible for Arroyo because, well, he’s Bronson Arroyo.

After missing nearly two years with injuries, Arroyo convinced the Reds to take a chance on him this spring. The Reds agreed, a fortuitous decision after starters Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani fell by the wayside, unavailable at the start of the season.

ARROYO PITCHED IN A a minor league game Tuesday and threw 73 pitches. Reports out of Goodyear say Arroyo will remain in Arizona when the team departs Wednesday and pitch in a minor league game Sunday.

If all goes well, he probably will face the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis a week from Friday.

LEFT IN THE BATTLE for the other two spots is Rookie Davis, Amir Garrett, Cody Reed and Robert Stephenson.

Adleman punched his ticket to Triple-A by giving up six runs, seven hits and two walks over 3 1/3 innings in his last start. Romano was the most impressive of the bunch, despite giving up seven runs (five earned), nine hits and no walks over 4 2/3 innings in his last appearance, but he is eliminated. For now. He’ll be back.

THE SURVIVORS DID NOT dazzle in their last opportunities. Cody Reed gave up 10 runs, 10 hits and four walks over 3 2/3 innings and could start the season in the bullpen. Amir Garrett gave up six runs, seven hits and three walks in his last showing. Rookie Davis gave up five runs (three earned) and six hits over 4 2/3 innings. Robert Stephenson gave up four runs, six hits and two walks over four innings.

MEANWHILE OPENING DAY starter Scott Feldman acquitted himself well Tuesday against a Los Angeles Dodgers split squad team that contained only one regular, .

Feldman gave up two runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings, walking two and striking out four. His only problem surfaced in the second inning when he gave up a double to Rob Segedin and a two-out home run to Cody Bellinger.

The Reds, using their Opening Day line except for second baseman Jose Peraza and catcher Tucker Barnhart, shed a three-game losing streak with a 9-3 win.

In addition to optioning Adleman and Romano, the Reds sent Hernan Iribarren and Tony Renda to minor league camp for re- assignment.

The shedding of Iribarren and Renda probably means Arismendy Alcantara will be included on the 25-man roster.

NOT ONLY IS ALCANTARA out of options, he has played his way onto the roster. He hit a home run in the second inning Tuesday and is leading the team in spring home runs with four, in runs scored with 16 and in RBI with 16. He had two hits to lift his average to .297.

If the Reds don’t keep him, they would have to put him on waivers and any team could pick him up.

Adam Duvall had three hits, two of them home runs, and drove in four runs.

The Reds raed the Dodgers for 13 hits, including two each by Billy Hamilton and Zack Cozart.

And the Reds added a player Tuesday when they acquired 26-year-old second baseman Scooter Gennett and his $2.225 million contract off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Reds sign veteran infielder off waivers Jay Morrison Staff Writer 1:40 p.m Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The Cincinnati Reds have claimed infielder Scooter Gennett off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, according to MLB.com.

A Cincinnati native, Gennett appeared in 456 games for the Brewers the last four seasons, batting .279 with 35 home runs and 160 RBI.

The left-handed hitting Gennett, 26, has played 455 of his 456 games at second base, but he also can play third base and has played one game in right field.

First baseman Christian Walker was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, creating room on the 40-man roster for Gennett.

Also Tuesday the Reds sent nine players to the minor leagues — outfielder Desmond Jennings, infielder/outfielder Sebastian Elizalde, catcher Rob Brantly, infielders Tony Renda and Hernan Iribarren and pitchers Sal Romano, Tim Adleman, Lucas Luetge and Louis Coleman.

ESPN.COM Reds bolster 2B options after claiming Scooter Gennett off waivers 4:09 PM ET Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Cincinnati Reds have claimed Scooter Gennett off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, giving them another option at second base and a utility player off the bench.

The Reds made the move Tuesday. He grew up in Cincinnati and will make $2,525,000 this season.

An offseason trade that sent star second baseman Brandon Phillips opened the way for Jose Peraza to play the position every day this season in Cincinnati. The 26-year-old Gennett also has played in the outfield.

Gennett played four seasons with Milwaukee. He batted .263 with a career-high 14 homers and 56 RBIs last season, but the Brewers decided to go with Jonathan Villar at second base this season. The Reds also optioned Tim Adleman and Sal Romano -- who had been competing for spots in the rotation -- to Triple-A Louisville.

TRANSACTIONS 03/28/17 Cincinnati Reds released RHP Deunte Heath. LHP Caleb Smith returned to from . New York Mets optioned C Kevin Plawecki to Las Vegas 51s. optioned RHP Matt Wisler to Gwinnett Braves. Atlanta Braves released LHP . Baltimore Orioles optioned RHP Mike Wright to Norfolk Tides. CF Troy Montgomery assigned to . LHP Dan Lietz assigned to . RHP Connor Eller assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Gift Ngoepe to . Pittsburgh Pirates optioned LHP Steven Brault to Indianapolis Indians. C Michael Cruz assigned to Chicago Cubs. 1B Gustavo Polanco assigned to Chicago Cubs. CF Luis Ayala assigned to Chicago Cubs. RHP Ryan Butler assigned to . C Jose Lezama assigned to San Diego Padres. 2B Daniel Bravo assigned to San Diego Padres. CF Michael Medina assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. 1B Matt Jones assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. RHP Walker Buehler assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. SS Connor Justus assigned to Los Angeles Angels. RHP Jeremy Rhoades assigned to Los Angeles Angels. C Iolana Akau assigned to Oakland Athletics. RHP Grant Holmes assigned to Oakland Athletics. RF Carlos Rincon assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. C Brant Whiting assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. Philadelphia Phillies traded RHP Alec Asher to Baltimore Orioles for cash. RHP David Hernandez assigned to Atlanta Braves. Arizona Diamondbacks designated RHP Evan Marshall for assignment. Arizona Diamondbacks claimed 1B Christian Walker off waivers from Cincinnati Reds. RHP Jacob Lemoine assigned to Texas Rangers. Cincinnati Reds claimed 2B Scooter Gennett off waivers from Milwaukee Brewers. Cleveland Indians optioned RHP Nick Goody to . Cleveland Indians optioned LHP Kyle Crockett to Columbus Clippers. Cleveland Indians optioned RHP Carlos Frias to Columbus Clippers. Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of LHP Jorge De La Rosa from Reno Aces. Arizona Diamondbacks selected the contract of RHP Tom Wilhelmsen from Reno Aces. Arizona Diamondbacks placed CF Socrates Brito on the 60-day disabled list. Dislocated Ring Finger on Left Hand Arizona Diamondbacks optioned SS Ketel Marte to Reno Aces. OF Hosea Nelson assigned to Cleveland Indians. San Diego Padres selected the contract of SS Erick Aybar from El Paso Chihuahuas. RHP Josh Zeid assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. RHP Estarlin Arias assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. CF Dylan Carlson assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. RF Thomas Spitz assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. 2B Andy Young assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. RHP Dauri Moreta assigned to Cincinnati Reds. RHP Manuel Aybar assigned to Cincinnati Reds. 2B Francis Azcona assigned to Cincinnati Reds. CF Andy Sugilio assigned to Cincinnati Reds. C Ernesto Liberatore assigned to Cincinnati Reds. C Pabel Manzanero assigned to Cincinnati Reds. C Brian O'Keefe assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. Chicago White Sox traded CF Peter Bourjos to for Player To Be Named Later. optioned Buddy Boshers to . C Derek Norris assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. Miami Marlins optioned C Tomas Telis to New Orleans Baby Cakes. Miami Marlins optioned LHP Justin Nicolino to New Orleans Baby Cakes. Miami Marlins optioned RHP Brian Ellington to New Orleans Baby Cakes. Miami Marlins optioned LHP Hunter Cervenka to New Orleans Baby Cakes. optioned LF Preston Tucker to . St. Louis Cardinals optioned RHP Mike Mayers to Memphis Redbirds. IF Khayyan Norfork assigned to .