July 2016 - Cincinnati Reds Wiretap

The Cincinnati Reds have announced that Raisel Iglesias will start for the team on Opening Day.

Iglesias takes the honor with Anthony DeSclafani hurt. DeSclafani has a strained oblique in his left side.

Iglesias made only 16 starts and two relief appearances last season, pitching 95 1/3 innings overall. He was 3-7 with a 4.15 ERA.

The Cincinnati Reds have brought Alfredo Simon back on a one-year deal.

Simon has three years of experience with the Reds, the first two as a reliever.

The Reds traded him to the Detroit Tigers before the 2015 season, but are in need of starters in the wake of numerous injuries.

"Our history with Alfredo made this a much easier decision," Bryan Price said. "We know what we're getting. He is extremely resilient. His durability is a huge bonus.

"He gives us depth in the rotation. There are just too many question marks now with the readiness of some of our young guys that we don't want to force to the big leagues too soon, and there is the injury component."

The criticism of the Cincinnati Reds has been that they haven't entered a full rebuild, but Walt Jocketty insists that is the team's preference.

"I think we're going to be a very good ball club this year," Jocketty said. "I think we're going to surprise some people, especially if we can (fortify) our bullpen, make some moves at the end of camp or during the season to strengthen that."

Brandon Phillips rejected two different trades and Jay Bruce was on his way to the Toronto Blue Jays before the three-team deal fell apart due to medical records.

Still, in the past 16 months, the Reds have traded Mat Latos, Alfredo Simon, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Marlon Byrd, Todd Frazier and Aroldis Chapman.

"We didn't want to take it back too far. Devin Mesoraco is still young (27) and under control. Same with Billy. We didn't want to do a complete teardown and rebuild. This was more of a transition and an attempt to retool and add to what we have," Jocketty said.

"We still feel we have a very good everyday lineup, without Frazier. (Eugenio) Suarez, I think, is going to have a very good year (at third) -- we like him a lot. Getting (shortstop Zack) Cozart and Mesoraco back will make a huge difference in our offense. A lot depends upon Billy and his ability to get on base and do the things he's capable of doing."

The Baltimore Orioles are trying to plug last-minute holes on their roster and trading for Jay Bruce remains a possibility.

They were also considering Austin Jackson before he reached a deal with the Chicago White Sox.

Baltimore doesn't think Mark Trumbo can play right field every day.