Dilson Herrera Headlines First Cuts of Spring

The Cincinnati Reds made their first wave of cuts on Wednesday afternoon, sending 16 players to minor league camp.

Among the players optioned to Louisville were RHP Lisalverto Bonilla, RHP Luis Castillo, RHP Ariel Hernandez, RHP Keury Mella, RHP Jackson Stephens, RHP Nick Travieso, OF Artistides Aquino, and INF Dilson Herrera.

Those who were reassigned to minor league camp include LHP Ismael Guillon, RHP Jimmy Herget, RHP Tyler Mahle, LHP Nick Routt, RHP Kevin Shackelford, INF Brandon Dixon, OF Gabriel Guerrero, and C Joe Hudson.

Herrera is the most noteworthy player among the group. The 23-year-old has been deemed the second baseman of the future after he was acquired from the New York Mets in exchange for Jay Bruce in August of last year.

According to manager Bryan Price, Herrera was sent down given that the Reds will do away with the designated hitter beginning on Friday. The DH spot allowed Herrera to receive regular at-bats in spring training, as he is still unable to play in the field after injuring his right shoulder towards the beginning of camp, preventing him from throwing a baseball.

Herrera was having a solid spring despite his injury, slashing .308/.438/.461 in 26 at-bats. With Jose Peraza blocking him at second base following the Brandon Phillips trade, it’ll be interesting to see what the Reds decide to do with Herrera as the season progresses. If Price can’t find the necessary playing time for him, he’ll likely spend the majority of 2017 in Louisville unless there is an injury or Zack Cozart gets traded, which would shift Peraza to shortstop and create an opening at second.

For now, Herrera is expected to be the Opening Day second baseman for the Bats, which certainly helps bolster the lineup. Herrera combined to hit .274 with 15 home runs, 24 doubles, and 64 RBI between Class AAA Las Vegas and Class AAA Louisville.

Tony Renda will likely move to third base now, meaning Dixon would serve as a reserve. Renda was originally a third baseman dating back to his college days and started 17 games at the hot corner last year.

At this point, though, nothing is set in stone. The surplus of versatility that is expected on the Bats’ roster will allow manager Delino DeShields to get creative with his lineups in 2017.