Prospects Davis, Garrett make Reds' rotation
By Mark Shledon, MLB.com
Link: http://m.reds.mlb.com/news/article/221277644/rookie-davis-amir-garrett-make-reds-rotation/
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- One day before breaking camp anredsd 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 Opening Day 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 Bronson Arroyo 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 Bryan Price 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 Lucas Luetge 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 catchers. Devin has a little ways to go."
The rest of the Reds bench will have Arismendy Alcantara, Patrick Kivlehan and Scooter Gennett, who was claimed off waivers on Tuesday from the Brewers. His pickup cost Desmond Jennings, who was cut.