Drury continues push to make Reds' roster

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The versatile Brandon Drury has found himself in another enviable position, this time as the favorite to earn a spot on the Reds' Opening Day roster as the backup shortstop.

“We do need someone we feel comfortable with that can go there if something happens in game,” Cincinnati manager David Bell said. “You need a backup shortstop. We’ve seen enough to know that he can do it, but it will be good to get him some reps in games before we leave here."

Drury could use the work. He’s played only nine games -- which includes six starts -- at shortstop in the big leagues. By comparison, he’s played 165 games at second base and 144 at third base in his career. The 29-year-old has also played in the outfield 126 times.

“He's a really good player, really hard-nosed. He competes,” Bell said. “For a bigger, strong guy, he handles himself in the infield really well. He's mobile. He's in great shape. He's very determined to make this team. He wants to be a part of this team.”

On Friday, Drury started at shortstop for the third time this spring and went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in the Reds’ 7-6 loss to the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Drury has four hits, including two doubles, in 13 Cactus League at-bats since signing a Minor League deal with Cincinnati on March 21.

“I feel good, and I’m just trying to get my timing right on both sides of the ball,” Drury said. “It’s been a short camp for me, but I feel pretty solid out there.”

In seven big league seasons, Drury has slashed .249/.296/.415 in 507 games. On defense, he has seen action at every spot on the diamond but center field and catcher. That’s why he is so valuable to the Reds.

It was originally Donovan Solano who was on track to back up starter Kyle Farmer at shortstop, but a strained left hamstring has Solano out of action until the middle of April. Solano’s absence, combined with solid play by Drury, has put Drury in a good position.

“The roster isn't set, but if he was to make the team, it would be a right-handed bat,” Bell said. “With Donovan Solano going down, there could be time at third base and potentially a backup shortstop for us. He can play second base. He can do a lot of different things, which really helps him have a chance to make the team.”

Drury’s flexibility on defense speaks for itself. There’s also a sense of familiarity.

Originally drafted by the Braves in 2010, Drury was traded to the D-backs in '13 and spent the next five seasons developing under the guidance of Bell’s beloved brother, Mike, who oversaw Arizona’s farm system at the time. Mike Bell died of cancer in March 2021, at age 46.

“I felt like I [knew Drury] because he knew my brother really well in Arizona,” the Reds' manager said. “They had gone through some things together that made them really close. I'd heard a lot about Brandon. So it's been a good connection right from the beginning. We felt like we knew each other. It's been great to have him in camp.”

Drury, who has also played in the big leagues with the Yankees ('18), Blue Jays (2018-20) and Mets ('21), has fond memories of his stint with the D-backs, especially the time he spent with Mike Bell.

“He was the farm director when I got traded over and fortunately, I went over there and had some good seasons,” Drury said. “We really had a special bond, and he gave me every opportunity to move up the ranks and get to the big leagues.”

Garcia continues to rake
Catcher Aramis Garcia, who is competing with Andrew Knapp for the backup catcher job, hit two home runs in Friday's game, his second two-homer game this spring.

“It’s no surprise,” Bell said. “He’s been a good player, a prospect, and I’ve seen him play a lot. He believes he’s a big league catcher that can help us win games, and he’s doing everything he can to make this team.”