The Reds continue to strengthen their bench, says veteran Amed Rosario
All season, the Cincinnati Reds front office has been reshuffling the bench of a Reds team that has lost key players to injuries. On Sunday, the Reds added another supporting player, signing all-around talent Amed Rosario.
Just three weeks ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers had Rosario in their sights at the trade deadline. Rosario has a .305 batting average this season and has excelled against left-handed pitchers. But he ran into a roster slump, had no chance of playing time, and in a strange sequence of events, was designated for another player by the Dodgers’ front office. The Reds, still trying to bolster their roster for the playoffs, jumped at the opportunity to sign an experienced major league player.
On paper, there is no clear role for Rosario. The Reds already had 10 players that manager David Bell wanted in the lineup against left-handed pitchers, including Stuart Fairchild, Noelvi Marte, Santiago Espinal and Ty France.
Rosario, who has a one-year contract, can play second base, shortstop, third base and outfield.
Entering the season, the Reds expected their bench to be a strength of the team. In spring training, it looked like Will Benson, Jake Fraley, Noelvi Marte and Jeimer Candelario would fight for playing time every day, and the Reds wanted to rotate players through the lineup and dictate the lineup through matchups. But with Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Nick Martini injured and Noelvi Marte and TJ Friedl missing significant time, the Reds have had to scrape together a bench for much of the season.
The front office made a last-minute trade before the season to sign Espinal, who filled his role well. They brought in Mike Ford and Austin Slater and gave Rece Hinds, Blake Dunn, Jacob Hurtubise and Levi Jordan a chance.
The Reds’ squad is currently as close to full as it has been all season, which will lead to an interesting squad decision if they activate Rosario.
