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Home , Austin Beck, Kevin Quackenbush, Sam Moll, Scott Kingery, Ty Tice, Zack Weiss

Press Clippings March 19, 2018

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY

1996-Hamilton County voters overwhelming approve a one-half cent sales tax increase to finance new stadiums for the Reds and Bengals

MLB.COM

Quackenbush making case to join Reds roster By Mark Sheldon MLB.com @m_sheldon Mar. 18th, 2018

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- A non-roster reliever, right-hander Kevin Quackenbush has quietly done at exactly what a trying to earn a job should do: put up zeros.

In seven appearances, Quackenbush has allowed no earned runs with one unearned run, five hits, three walks and 10 . He struck out the side with one walk in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Giants.

"I'm still here. It's still exciting," Quackenbush said on Sunday.

Quackenbush, 29, is seeking one of the final bullpen spots and is among several contenders still left in camp. Unlike fellow competitors such as Austin Brice, Kevin Shackelford or Zack Weiss, the Reds will have the added hoop of trying to find room for Quackenbush on the 40-man roster before he goes on the 25-man active roster.

There are currently two openings. After he had four big league seasons with the Padres, Cincinnati signed Quackenbush to a Minor League deal in October and invited him to camp.

"Quackenbush has had a nice spring," Reds manager said. "He's been the off-the-radar guy that has really pitched very well. He's extremely prepared, and he has great confidence in his for a guy who has a really good and isn't really overpowering as far as the sheer velocity numbers, but he's a guy that pitches with that elevated fastball extremely well. He's been really good about every time out."

As a rookie in 2014, Quackenbush posted a 2.48 ERA in 56 appearances and he went on to go 13-14 with a 4.08 ERA in 103 big league games with San Diego. All of his seasons had something in common, however, because they all included stints at Triple-A El Paso.

The wheels came off in 2017, as Quackenbush had a 7.86 ERA in 20 games and 26 1/3 innings. He was designated for assignment on Sept. 1.

"I think it was a culmination of going up and down so many times," Quackenbush said. "I think it got into my head a little bit. I tried to do a little too much. I tried to overthrow and didn't stay within myself. It's not the ideal situation to be in. I tried to make the most of it, and it just didn't work out last year."

Quackenbush enjoyed working at Petco Park for the Padres, but would be going from a pitcher-friendly ballpark to the very hitter- friendly if he makes it on to the Reds.

Historically, Quackenbush has been a fly ball pitcher with a 0.69 career ground ball to fly ball ratio. That could be problematic at GABP, where routine fly balls can easily carry over the wall.

"But you're still trying to make pitches," Quackenbush said, not concerned. "If you hit your spots and make your pitches, a majority of the time you will be OK."

Never before this spring has Quackenbush faced trying to make a team, while simultaneously trying to improve his pitches. But so far, so good.

"It's an exciting opportunity to be here and I'm excited to see what happens," Quackenbush said.

Garrett eyes rotation following strong start By Mark Sheldon MLB.com @m_sheldon Mar. 18th, 2018

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Even before his start for the Reds vs. the D-backs on Sunday, Amir Garrett sensed a strong performance was coming as he warmed up with catcher Tucker Barnhart.

"Tucker was really getting me going today, screaming at me, 'Yeah!' And firing me up. I felt good just from the beginning," Garrett said.

Garrett turned in four scoreless innings, with one infield hit and one walk during a 6-3 Reds win over . The left-hander also struck out four. Through five games, he has a 1.38 ERA.

"I thought he had better stuff than most of his previous outings before today," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Today, he was a little lateral and wasn't behind the ball quite as well. But, he found a way to manage the game without his best command. That, to me, says a lot about where he is with his confidence and his ability to compete his way through some of the challenges."

All that remains in the final week of camp for Garrett is to learn whether he has earned a spot in the rotation or bullpen. Cincinnati has three spots open in the rotation and a couple of spots available for relievers.

"If I'm not one of the best five, I definitely think I am one of the best 12," Garrett said. "Wherever I'm at on the roster -- bullpen or starting -- I feel that I can help the team win. I did what I had to do. I came here and did what I said I was going to do. Now it's just up to them. Everything is out of my hands now."

Garrett came into camp not considered among the top tier of starters competing for the fifth starter's job. But injuries to Anthony DeSclafani and Brandon Finnegan -- and Garrett's strong spring -- have changed the dynamic.

While Tyler Mahle and Sal Romano appear to have the inside track now for two spots, Garrett could claim the fifth spot. But, he feels he could handle the job as a reliever well, too.

"I'm just a baller, man. I will do whatever to help the team win," Garrett said. "I feel l can help the team in multiple ways. I want them to know that."

Injury report

Second baseman Scooter Gennett, who has been out since Thursday with a sore right shoulder, has resumed throwing the past two days. Price expected Gennett to return to the lineup on Monday, but not at his usual position.

"He's going to DH tomorrow. I originally had him in the lineup [Sunday]," Price said. "We decided, since it's a home game, I can control having the DH. So, we're going to DH tomorrow and if everything goes well, he could play second base before the off day on Tuesday night. He should be ready to really hit the ground running when we hit that off day. I'm not concerned."

Finnegan (left forearm spasm) threw 25 pitches in the bullpen on Sunday at full effort. The left-hander, who threw 15 pitches in a light bullpen on Friday, will likely get slotted into a game this week if he feels OK after throwing.

Castillo returns

Luis Castillo was back in camp after spending a few days in New York to be present for the birth of his daughter, Brittany. Castillo threw a bullpen session on Sunday, and is slated to pitch in a Minor League game on Tuesday.

Jagielo traded

On Saturday, the Reds traded Minor League Eric Jagielo to the Marlins for cash. Jagielo was one of four players acquired from the Yankees in the Dec. 28, 2015, trade for Aroldis Chapman. Only pitcher Rookie Davis remains in the Reds' organization since that deal, and he's currently on the 60-day disabled list rehabilitating from right hip surgery. Infielder is in Arizona's organization and reliever Caleb Cotham has retired.

Up next

Robert Stephenson, who is trying to hang in the battle for a rotation spot, but has largely struggled this spring with a 9.00 ERA, is scheduled to pitch in Monday's 9:05 p.m. ET game vs. the Cubs. Listen to the game live on Gameday Audio.

Acuna continues to thrive, leads top prospects By William Boor MLB.com @wboor Mar. 18th, 2018

Once again Ronald Acuna Jr. reminded Braves' fans, and the rest of the world, why there's so much hype and excitement about his eventual arrival in Atlanta.

The 20-year-old, who is regarded as the Braves' top prospect (No. 2 in MLB), extended his Spring Training hitting streak to four games and upped his average to .432 as he went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored in the Braves' 6-3 win over the Astros on Sunday.

While Acuna, as he often does, stole the show, A.J. Minter, the Braves' No. 15 prospect, continued his stellar spring as well. The 24- year-old lefty gave up a hit, but struck out the side in a scoreless inning -- keeping his ERA at 0.00 through six appearances.

Other top prospect performances from Sunday's action:

• No. 15 overall prospect Mitch Keller (Pirates No. 1) looked stellar in his Spring Training debut. The right-hander notched a trio of strikeouts and gave up one hit in two scoreless frames.

• No. 23 overall Austin Hays (Orioles No. 2) and teammate Cedric Mullins (Orioles No. 7) combined to go 3-for-4 in Baltimore's 5- 4 loss to the Mets. Hays went 1-for-1 with a double, while Mullins, who also stole two bases, went 2-for-3.

• No. 35 overall prospect Scott Kingery (Phillies No. 2) continued to impress with another multihit effort. The 23-year-old went 2- for-4 and is now slashing .378/.410/.676. The versatile prospect also made his first start at third base and showed he is certainly capable of playing the position.

• No. 60 overall prospect Jesus Luzardo (Athletics No. 2) put together a solid outing in his second Spring Training appearance. The lefty, who has yet to allow a run, kept White Sox hitters off-balance for 2 1/3 innings as he yielded two hits and struck out two. Sheldon Neuse, the A's No. 11 prospect, provided plenty of offense, going 2-for-3 with five RBIs. Neuse drove in three runs via a homer in the fourth and then hit a two-run single in the fifth.

• Dodgers No. 12 prospect Edwin Rios hit his third homer of Spring Training in a split-squad loss to the Brewers. Rios, who is hitting .423 this spring, went 1-3 with a solo blast.

• Indians No. 20 prospect Eric Haase showed off his power with his third homer, a , in a 11-4 win over the Cubs. Haase, who finished 1-for-3, cleared the bases with a mammoth homer over the right-field wall in the third inning.

• Marlins No. 9 prospect Brian Anderson and No. 19 Joe Dunand showed off their power with a trio of extra-base hits, including a pair of homers, in a loss to the Yankees. Anderson, who is heating up after a slow start, went 2-for-3 with a double, homer and two RBIs, while Dunand hit a solo homer in his only at-bat.

• Reds No. 19 prospect Alex Blandino bumped his Spring Training average to .387 with a pair of hits in a win over the D-backs. Blandino, who finished 2-for-3, scored a run and drove one in via a second-inning triple.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

Cincinnati Reds hope Plan A at short (Jose Peraza) works John Fay, [email protected] Published 4:14 p.m. ET March 18, 2018

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Reds seem to have Plan B, C and D for .

But the best thing for the future and 2018 is for Plan A to work. That is for Jose Peraza to play virtually every day and play well.

“We acquired Jose because we felt like he had a really high ceiling as a player and as a shortstop and that position wasn't available for him to play,” Reds manager Bryan Price Price said.

Now it is with Zack Cozart gone via free agency. Letting Cozart go was a nod to Peraza. But the Reds do have backup plans. They signed veteran short Cliff Pennington to a minor league deal. They’ve been working top prospect Nick Senzel at shortstop. And Saturday, for the first time all camp, Price said Eugenio Suarez could see time at shortstop.

But Peraza will be given every chance to allow the Reds to stick with the original plan.

“I think there's a much better player in there than we saw in the first half from Jose,” Price said.

That first half last year — when Peraza lost the starting ’s job to Scooter Gennett — was tough on Peraza and cast doubt on his future.

“It was kind of hard last year,” Peraza said. “I had been playing every day my whole career. Last year was the first time I was sitting on the bench. Things like that happen. That’s when you have to be strong in your mind and keep working hard.”

Peraza is following the right guy in his effort to get better. He and fellow Venezuelan Suarez are attached at the hip most mornings, doing extra together, chatting. Suarez went into 2017 in a similar position as the one Peraza goes into the this year. Suarez had to prove he was capable of playing third base at high level. He did. He cut his errors from 23 to nine, and fangraphs.com rated him as the fifth best defensive third baseman in the majors.

“(Suarez) has been great with me,” Peraza said. “I’m next to him all the time. He tells me: ‘Hey, man, you’ve got to work hard. Things aren’t always going to go the way you want to. That’s when you got to be strong mentally and good things will come for you.’”

“I believe in him,” Suarez said. “I believe in what he can do. I tell him: ‘Take it easy, relax, be in control.’ We’ve got coaches but sometimes it’s better to hear form a player."

Peraza is a willing pupil.

“He works hard, maybe harder than me,” Suarez said. “He likes to work. That’s a good thing.”

Peraza has 1 1/2 years in big leagues; he’s only 23 on . He’s only 13 months older than Senzel.

Peraza hit .324/.352/.411 in 256 plate appearances for the Reds in 2016 after coming over from the in the three-team trade that sent Todd Frazier to the Chicago White Sox.

But after being given the second base job, he hit .254 with a .270 on-base in the first half last year. He eventually lost the job to Gennett. He recovered to hit .268 and an on-base .333 in the second half. He went from 50 strikeouts and five walks to 20 strikeouts and 15 walks.

The biggest thing Peraza is going to have to do is play well defensively. Cozart kept the job for five years largely because of his defense before having his breakout year offensively.

The Reds aren’t expecting Peraza to be Cozart defensively. But they think he can handle short. He's certainly athletic enough. He's the second fastest runner on the team behind Billy Hamilton.

“It's not like spring training was a tryout,” Price said. “We've had a chance to see him extensively at shortstop. I don't have any qualms about him being able to play the position. Certainly the more he plays it, the more he should evolve as a defender.”

If that happens, the Reds can stick to Plan A.

You can write Homer Bailey in as the Reds' Opening Day starter — just don't use ink yet John Fay, [email protected] Published 1:21 p.m. ET March 18, 2018

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - It’s pretty safe to assume that Homer Bailey is going to start Opening Day for the Reds — even if Reds Manager Bryan Price can’t bring himself to say the words.

“You get to formulate all your own thoughts,” Price said. “For me, with our history, with our history, with our history ... let’s just get to Opening Day. All right?”

Here’s what you can formulate: Bailey’s last spring training start will be Friday, March 23, against the at Salt River Fields. Five days from the 23rd is March 28, an off day. The next day is Opening Day against the .

Once Luis Castillo had to head to New York for the birth of his daughter, Bailey was really the only choice for the Opening Day starter. He and Castillo are only ones even guaranteed spots in the rotation at this point.

Bailey, 31, has never started Opening Day. He’s started the last three seasons on the disabled list recovering from his three elbows surgeries. He did start to come around at the end last year. He was 2-3 with a 3.58 ERA over his last seven starts.

Bailey pitched in a minor-league game Saturday. He went six innings and allowed two earned runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out nine.

The important thing is he was stretched out to 87 pitches.

“It’s one of those things you totally control it,” Price said. “Anything can happen. You saw that 16-13 game. Balls get lost in the sun or get blown into the corners. Or whatever. Your starter ... ends up going 2 1/3, 61 pitches and finishes in the bullpen. It does not serve the same purpose at all.

“These minor league starts are unbelievably valuable for us because we can control the environment.”

Bailey’s final spring start is not as important.

“If he has a game where he’s not on or we don’t defend well or it’s one of those days,” Price said, “he doesn’t have to stay out there for six or seven innings because he’s gotten that stretch game.”

SCOOTER UPDATE: Scooter Gennett is close to returning the lineup after missing three days with a sore right shoulder.

He’s back throwing.

“He's going to DH (Monday),” Price said. “I originally had him in the lineup. We decided, since it's a home game, I can control having the DH. So we're going to DH (Monday) and if everything goes well, he could play second base before the off day on Tuesday night. He should be ready to really hit the ground running when we hit that off day. I'm not concerned.”

FEAR THE BEARD: Kevin Quackenbush wins the prize for the biggest beard in camp for the Reds.

But Quackenbush, the 29-year-old right-hander, has gotten Price’s attention with the way he’s thrown.

“He's been the off-the-radar guy that has really pitched very well,” Price said. “He’s extremely prepared and he has great confidence in his fastball for a guy who has a really good curveball and isn't really overpowering as far as the sheer velocity numbers, but he's a guy that pitches with that elevated fastball extremely well.

“He's been really good about every time out. I think it's a terrific (signing), I think Jeff Graupe and our scouting department did a nice job of that.”

Quackenbush has gone seven innings this spring. He’s allowed one unearned run on five hits. He’s walked three and struck out 10.

He’s spent parts of four seasons in the big leagues with San Diego. He’s 13-14 with a 4.08 ERA and eight saves. He signed a minor league deal with the Reds in the offseason.

DAYTON DAILY NEWS

Duvall working on defense in outfield Gary Schatz Contributing Writer 2:15 p.m Sunday, March 18, 2018

The Reds play 31 exhibition games to ramp up veterans for Opening Day and to evaluate younger players, but a large percentage of the preparation is done on fields hidden from most fans.

There is a two-hour period before games that players work on skills that they put into practice at game speed in the afternoon. Adam Duvall can be seen working on fielding balls and making strong accurate throws.

Once minor league games start, it provides a tool for the team to get ready.

Duvall on the defensive Adam Duvall has been an All-Star and a productive hitter, but he continues to work to improve his fielding.

He hit 31 home runs and drove in 99 runs last season but what thrills him as much, if not more was leading National League in assists. Duvall threw out 15 baserunners last season, two more than teammate Billy Hamilton, who was second in the league. They actively competed against each other for the most assists.

“As an it is important, not to let runners get extra bases,” Duvall said. “Here in Cincinnati we take pride in throwing guys out and not getting the extra base.”

Duvall wants to keep the ball out of the corner to keep runners from even trying for second base, a play that doesn’t get statistically analyzed but affects the win column.

“I bust my butt down the line and try to cut that ball off,” Duvall said. “It really makes me giddy inside, when I throw that ball to second and the guy rounding first slams on the brakes and runs back to first. Taking away a hit or throwing somebody out is as gratifying as driving somebody in or hitting a for me. Neither is more important but both get me excited. I know it’s a good feeling for the pitcher.”

“An inspired defense is something that every pitcher wants to have behind them when they pitch,” said manger Bryan Price. “I think there’s a great pride with him and those three outfielders.”

Price looks at Duvall to be an inspiration to Jesse Winker, who is moving into the outfield mix with the Reds this season.

“I think it will make Jesse Winker a better outfielder, seeing those guys in competition to be the best defensive outfielder. You need that. You can’t be one dimensional. These guys really embrace the challenge of attaining greatness defensively. I believe Duvall when he says holding a guy to single is a thrill for him. They get in position every single pitch, anticipating where the ball is going to go when it’s hit to you.”

The Reds intend to divide playing time among Duvall, Hamilton, Scott Schebler and Winker. The Reds may also choose to carry a fifth outfielder, possibly Ben Revere or Phillip Ervin, both of whom can play all three outfield positions.

Preparing pitchers Sal Romano and Homer Bailey started minor league games the last two days, allowing Tyler Mahle and Cody Reed to start a game rather than entering the game from the bullpen.

Romano faced 23 batters in four innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, a walk and six strikeouts. Bailey pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits, a walk with nine strikeouts.

The Reds can control the environment in minor league games.

“Any thing can happen. You saw that 16-13 game, where balls get lost in the sun or get blown into the corners that would have been normal fly balls. Your starter, who you want to throw six innings or 87 pitches, ends up going 2 1/3, throwing 61 and having to finish in the bullpen. It does not serve the same purpose, at all,” Price said. “These minor league starts are unbelievably valuable for us. We can virtually guarantee, they are going to get their six innings and 85-90 pitches.”

Scooter fixed Scooter Gennett missed two games with a sore right shoulder but it is not a major concern.

“He’s made really good progress with it. He threw yesterday (Saturday) and today,” Price said. “We are going to DH him tomorrow. Since it’s a home game tomorrow, I can control having the DH. If every thing goes well he could play second base before the off day on Tuesday night.”

More Minor League starts Luis Castillo, who has returned to camp after the birth of his daughter, will start a minor league game on Tuesday. Brandon Finnegan will also pitch a couple innings in the minor league camp.

“If every thing goes well, they will both pitch in a Cactus League game after that,” Price said. “Finnegan is throwing a side (session) today. If it goes well, he will throw a couple innings in the minor league game on the 20th.”

Opening Day starter? Bailey’s next start is on Friday against Colorado. The fifth day after that is the eve of Opening Day.

“You guys get to formulate all your own thoughts,” Price said. “With our history, let’s just get to Opening Day.”

Transactions

03/19/18 St. Louis Cardinals optioned RHP John Gant to Memphis Redbirds. Baltimore Orioles optioned C Austin Wynns to Norfolk Tides.

03/18/18 LHP Matthew Crownover assigned to Washington Nationals. Tampa Bay Rays optioned LHP Anthony Banda to Durham Bulls. optioned SS Richard Urena to . Toronto Blue Jays optioned LHP Sam Moll to Buffalo Bisons. Baltimore Orioles optioned LHP Donnie Hart to Norfolk Tides. SS Jacob Amaya assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. St. Louis Cardinals optioned 2B Breyvic Valera to Memphis Redbirds. St. Louis Cardinals optioned CF Oscar Mercado to Memphis Redbirds. St. Louis Cardinals optioned C Carson Kelly to Memphis Redbirds. St. Louis Cardinals optioned LHP Ryan Sherriff to Memphis Redbirds. St. Louis Cardinals optioned RHP Jack Flaherty to Memphis Redbirds. LHP Kirby Bellow assigned to . LHP Miguel Aguilar assigned to Arizona Diamondbacks. optioned C David Freitas to . CF Austin Beck assigned to . RF J.P. Sportman assigned to Oakland Athletics. RHP Norge Ruiz assigned to Oakland Athletics. LF Dario Pizzano assigned to Seattle Mariners. RHP Scott Kuzminsky assigned to Seattle Mariners. CF Fernando Kelli assigned to Chicago Cubs. RHP Mario Meza assigned to Chicago Cubs. C Jhonny Pereda assigned to Chicago Cubs. RHP assigned to Chicago Cubs. LHP Kevin Escorcia assigned to Chicago White Sox. 1B Gavin Sheets assigned to Chicago White Sox. RF Craig Dedelow assigned to Chicago White Sox. C Angel Lopez Alvarez assigned to . RHP Leandro Linares assigned to Cleveland Indians. OF Clark Scolamiero assigned to Cleveland Indians. CF assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. OF Trenton Brooks assigned to Cleveland Indians. 2B Dillon Persinger assigned to Cleveland Indians. IF Alexis Pantoja assigned to Cleveland Indians. 1B Anthony Miller assigned to Cleveland Indians. RHP Sven Schueller assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. IF Erlin Cerda assigned to Cleveland Indians. RHP Tom Colletti assigned to . 2B Fernando Perez assigned to San Diego Padres. C A.J. Kennedy assigned to San Diego Padres. RHP Riley Echols assigned to Cleveland Indians. 2B Khayyan Norfork assigned to Washington Nationals. C Joey Harris assigned to Washington Nationals. Texas Rangers optioned LHP Yohander Mendez to Round Rock Express. RHP Kaleb Fleck assigned to Washington Nationals. LHP Danny Young assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. RHP Ty Tice assigned to Toronto Blue Jays. Oakland Athletics optioned RHP Chris Bassitt to . RHP Yeison Medina assigned to St. Louis Cardinals. C Joey Morgan assigned to Detroit Tigers. LHP Evan Hill assigned to Detroit Tigers. C Mac Seibert assigned to Tampa Bay Rays. New York Yankees optioned Miguel Andujar to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Kansas City Royals designated RHP Sam Gaviglio for assignment. Kansas City Royals signed free agent RHP Justin Grimm. RHP Zack Jones assigned to . Arizona Diamondbacks optioned RHP Braden Shipley to . Arizona Diamondbacks optioned RHP Silvino Bracho to Reno Aces. Arizona Diamondbacks released C Josh Thole. Kansas City Royals optioned SS Ramon Torres to Omaha Storm Chasers. Kansas City Royals optioned C Cam Gallagher to Omaha Storm Chasers. Kansas City Royals optioned RHP Trevor Oaks to Omaha Storm Chasers. Kansas City Royals optioned RHP Sam Gaviglio to Omaha Storm Chasers. Kansas City Royals optioned RHP Miguel Almonte to Omaha Storm Chasers. IF Brett Pope assigned to . C Kevin Krause assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. RHP Mitch Keller assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. 1B Lucas Tancas assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. CF Lolo Sanchez assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. Lolo Sanchez assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. RF Ryan Peurifoy assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. OF Bligh Madris assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. SS Kyle Watson assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. SS Stephen Alemais assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. C Deon Stafford assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. RF Bryan De La Cruz assigned to Houston Astros. Houston Astros optioned Francis Martes to Fresno Grizzlies. C B.J. Lopez assigned to Miami Marlins. CF Zach Sullivan assigned to Miami Marlins. RF John Norwood assigned to Miami Marlins. RHP Esmerling De La Rosa assigned to Miami Marlins. LHP James Buckelew assigned to Miami Marlins. RHP Michael Mertz assigned to Miami Marlins. optioned 3B Ryan Schimpf to Gwinnett Stripers. Tampa Bay Rays optioned RHP Ryne Stanek to Durham Bulls.