Reds announce 2024 Opening Day roster

CINCINNATI -- To complete their Opening Day roster, the Reds added outfielder Bubba Thompson on Wednesday.

Thompson was recalled after he was already optioned to Triple-A Louisville on March 13. But Cincinnati had an outfield shortage after TJ Friedl fractured his right wrist during a Spring Training game.

“He has a lot of experience," manager David Bell said. "We love the defense he plays in the outfield. He’s had a nice camp for us. He’s making strides offensively that our hitting coaches are liking and we’re all seeing. It will be great to have Bubba as part of our team.”

Thompson, 25, batted .269 with one home run in 15 Cactus League games. In the offseason, he was claimed off waivers by the Reds in October only to bounce to the Yankees, then the Twins, then back to the Reds again on Feb.13.

“I had a go-around in the offseason but it’s a wonderful opportunity," Thompson said. "I have an opportunity to show what I can do for the team. Just bring a good energy and good vibe each and every day.”

Here is the finalized 26-man Reds roster:

Catcher (2): Tyler Stephenson, Luke Maile
The pair of veterans were set behind the plate before camp opened.

First base (1): Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Encarnacion-Strand has gotten most of the reps at first base in games, and has shown no shortage of the power that he displayed as a rookie last season when he hit 13 home runs in 63 games. The right-handed slugger will also see time as a designated hitter in 2024.

Second base (1): Jonathan India
Matt McLain's left shoulder injury will have him opening the season on the injured list. Meanwhile, India gets back the position he's had for the past three seasons, but he could still appear at first base or left field.

Shortstop (1): Elly De La Cruz
Will the offseason hitting adjustments that looked mostly good in Spring Training sustain De La Cruz during the regular season?

Third base (1): Jeimer Candelario
With Noelvi Marteout with an 80-game suspension for PED use, Candelario is cemented as the regular third baseman. The switch hitter, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract in the offseason, started 115 games at third base last season for the Nationals and Cubs.

Outfielders (5): Spencer Steer, Jake Fraley, Will Benson, Stuart Fairchild, Bubba Thompson
The Reds will miss TJ Friedl's contributions, both offensively and defensively. Center field will be split by Benson and Fairchild until Friedl returns from a fractured right wrist.

Utility/bench (2): Nick Martini, Santiago Espinal
An outfielder/first baseman, Martini won the job of lefty power bat off the bench over Mike Ford. Espinal was acquired from the Blue Jays after it became clear McLain would not be ready. Espinal can play second base, third base and shortstop.

Starting pitchers (5): Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Nick Martinez
Missing from the list is Nick Lodolo, who, after being cleared from his left tibia issues, is slated to make his regular-season debut on April 10 vs. the Brewers.

Relief pitchers (8): Alexis Díaz (CL), Lucas Sims, Brent Suter, Emilio Pagán, Buck Farmer, Fernando Cruz, Tejay Antone, Justin Wilson
Antone, who has dealt with elbow injuries since 2021, made the team after a solid spring and after it was determined Sam Moll (left shoulder soreness) would open the season on the IL.