Reds: 4 players who won’t be on the roster by August 1
The Cincinnati Reds have been one of the most surprising teams this year. As they continue to improve their roster, these players may not survive the cut.
The Cincinnati Reds have turned heads through the first half of the season. Their rookie class has been incredible, where they have four of the best rookies in the National League. These players have completely turned around the franchise, with more prospects on the way.
The Reds have a few top prospects, namely Connor Phillips, Noelvi Marte and Christian Encarnacion-Strand that could debut and make a difference in 2023. Along with that, their current injured list is a lengthy one. Starting pitchers Ben Lively, Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo remain sidelined while they also have multiple relievers on the IL. Because of this, the Reds are going to need to make cuts when these players make debuts and returns.
Reds rumors: Eduardo Salazar may not survive the cut in Cincinnati
Eduardo Salazar hasn’t been bad in 2023. In fact, he’s shown a little bit of promise out of the bullpen, mainly because of how filthy his sinker can be. But the story with him is simple. He has a spot on this roster because of the injuries in the bullpen. Over the next month or so, the Reds will likely return Derek Law, Tony Santillan and Tejay Antone, in that order to their bullpen.
Sadly for Salazar, he will be the first one to be optioned. He hasn’t been good enough this year to demand a spot in the bullpen. His ERA is north of seven and his WHIP is close to 2.0. He won’t last in the Reds bullpen with their pitchers returning from the IL. The Reds are also likely to pursue a bullpen arm or two in the trade market to help bolster the backend of their relievers and take a bit of pressure off of Alexis Diaz.
Salazar’s days in the Reds organization don’t appear to be numbered, as he will likely return to Triple-A Louisville in order to continue improving. He is just 25 years old and debuted a month ago. The Reds won’t give up on him yet and the Reds faithful shouldn’t either. He just isn’t ready to be a piece in a division winning bullpen.