Michael Lorenzen made his debut in center field during Monday’s spring training game. He fielded two balls hit in his direction.
Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati Enquirer
MESA, Ariz. – The Chicago Cubs committed four errors Tuesday night and the Reds took advantage in a 12-3 victory at Sloan Park. First baseman Connor Joe highlighted the offense with a three-run homer in the seventh inning and minor leaguer Courtney Hawkins added a two-run blast in the ninth.
The Reds improved their spring record to 5-10-3. It was supposed to a be a split-squad doubleheader Tuesday, but the Reds had their fourth-ever rainout at Goodyear Ballpark.
It was their first home rainout in Goodyear since 2015. Luis Castillo threw three pitches before it started pouring rain and there was some trouble deploying the tarp.
Injury report
Right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson pitched in a side session Tuesday afternoon. He’s been limited throughout the spring with right shoulder inflammation and hasn’t appeared in a Cactus League game.
Three observations
1. Tyler Mahle, who could begin the season in the Reds’ rotation if Alex Wood (back tightness) isn’t ready, was phenomenal in his third start of the spring. Mahle allowed two hits and struck out five in three scoreless innings. He kept hitters off balance with his offspeed pitches, threw 29 of his 40 pitches for strikes and reached 96 mph with his fastball.
2. Reds reliever Matt Wisler, one of five players on the 40-man roster who are out of options, pitched a scoreless fourth inning. He struck out Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber and induced Ben Zobrist into a groundout at first base. Wisler has allowed two runs and struck out 10 in seven innings this spring.
3. Fighting for a roster spot, Kyle Farmer smacked his second home run of the spring on a 1-2 pitch from Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery to leadoff the third inning, pulling the ball to the left-field berm. Playing third base, Farmer showed nice range on a groundball in the third inning, charging in and tossing out Javier Baez.
4. (A bonus observation because one game was rained out.) The Reds employed a four-man outfield shift against Cubs slugger Bryant. The Reds spaced all their outfielders evenly with first baseman Connor Joe as the only player on the right side of the infield. Bryant singled to center in the first inning and struck out in his second at-bat.
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Photos of camp
Quote of the day
“He has a good edge about him. He’s really done everything he can to show that he has the ability to play center field. We’ve talked about it’s going to take a lot of work and it’s not easy, but for us, as we try to evaluate him, in my mind, it’s become clear that he can do it. With two weeks to go in camp, it’s a good place to be.” – Bell on what he’s learned about Nick Senzel this spring.
Up Next
Wednesday – The Reds have an off day.
Thursday – Sonny Gray (0-0, 0.00) is expected to make his second start of the spring against Hyun-Jin Ryu (0-0, 0.00) and the Los Angeles Dodgers at 4:05 p.m. at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. (Radio: WLW-700.)
ICYMI
More: Michael Lorenzen enjoys ‘fun’ debut in center field, fields two balls hit in his direction
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