GOODYEAR, Arizona – The Cincinnati Reds, like every Major League Baseball team, haven't had a typical spring training since 2019.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped spring training in the middle of March. In 2021, the pandemic had a lingering impact on workouts and how many players reported to camp.
This year, MLB spring training has been delayed due to the ongoing lockout. As the MLB owners and the MLB Players Association negotiate the terms of the league’s collective bargaining agreement, the start of MLB spring training has been delayed.
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As a result, every player on the Reds' 40-man roster currently isn’t able to work out at the team’s spring training complex. For veterans like Luis Castillo and Joey Votto and prospects like Hunter Greene, preparation for the season has been delayed.
The Reds are able to host a Minor League spring training, which began on Wednesday. Prospects who aren’t on the 40-man roster and non-roster invitees are currently beginning workouts in Goodyear.
Left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo, a 2019 first-round pick, is the highest-ranked prospect in the group, which includes 26 pitchers. The group of 28 position players and catchers includes third basemen Elly De La Cruz and Rece Hinds, shortstop Matt McLain and outfielder Austin Hendrick.
The Reds also have a group of non-roster invitees in camp who could play on the big league roster this season. Catchers Andrew Knapp and Aramis Garcia have MLB experience, and relief pitchers like Phillip Diehl, Connor Overton and others could become a factor in the Reds' bullpen.
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