India makes Reds' roster, Gray out until at least mid-April
There's good news and bad news for the Cincinnati Reds ahead of Thursday's Opening Day.
The good news is that infield prospect Jonathan India made the club's roster, the team announced Wednesday.
The bad news is that right-hander Sonny Gray won't be available for at least the first couple weeks of the season because of a lingering back injury. Gray will throw in a scrimmage Wednesday and could rejoin the starting rotation in mid-April if all goes well, pitching coach Derek Johnson said, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
India, 24, torched opposing pitching throughout spring training, hitting .313/.441/.604 with three home runs and seven RBIs in 22 games. The fifth overall selection in the 2018 draft could make his MLB debut as early as Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
"It won't really hit me until tomorrow when we're under the lights," India said, according to Sheldon.
Drafted as a third baseman, India has been getting reps at second base during spring training. Eugenio Suarez is projected to open the season at shortstop with last year's second baseman, Mike Moustakas, sliding back over to the hot corner.
While India made the club, the full Opening Day roster won't be available until the team gets a better idea of first baseman Joey Votto's availability.
The #reds can't set their roster until they know Votto's status. Right now, he is still TBD. That will affect who makes the last spots on the bench.
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) March 31, 2021
With Gray out and Michael Lorenzen suffering a setback on his strained shoulder, the Reds will likely open the year with a rotation that includes Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Wade Miley, Jeff Hoffman, and Jose De Leon.