The Reds have made five more roster cuts today

Five additional roster cutbacks have been revealed by the Cincinnati Reds today. Connor Phillips, a right-handed pitcher and one of the team’s best prospects, has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Bubba Thompson, an outfielder, was also sent to Triple-A Louisville as an alternative. Conner Capel, an outfielder, and Erik Gonzalez and Mark Mathias, infielders, were sent to a minor league camp. A player who is reassigned is one who was a non-roster invitee to major league camp and was on a minor league contract, as opposed to an optioned player who is on the 40-man roster.

It probably feels like a punch to Connor Phillips’ stomach. Phillips, the #4-ranked prospect on the team, has made three appearances in the spring league. In 6.0 innings, the right-hander has struck out five batters while walking three batters and giving up no runs on just three hits. Although Phillips was almost certainly on the outside looking in as far as that competition goes, the Reds have plenty of starting pitching depth at this point in the season, and he made every effort to stay in the race for that position. The 22-year-old will have to go to Triple-A and continue to perform well there for the time being, but he may be the first starting pitcher called up from the minors if and when the team needs a replacement.

It’s the same story with Bubba Thompson. He would likely need to push his way into the major league squad because he was far enough down the outfield depth chart. However, the 25-year-old was enjoying her spring. In his 11 games played, he posted a line of.353/.421/.471, going 6-17 with two doubles and a steal.

Half of outfielder Conner Capel’s hits were for extra bases, displaying some pop. Nevertheless, in his 17 at-bats, he managed just four hits. While hitting, he had seven strikeouts and did not take a walk.235/.235/.471 in the 11 games he took part in.

Erik Gonzalez participated in seven games and walked twice. However, he had also failed to get a hit, going 0–12 with three strikeouts. Even though he played less, Mark Mathias was a complete bust. In his two games of action, he went 0–5, walking and striking out.

The Reds currently have 39 players in big league camp as a result of these changes.SEE THE PHOTOS:

23 hits, 19 runs and 7 homers in Scottsdale… #ATOBTTR!FINAL: Reds 19, Giants 11

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