Red helper Tejay Antone announced last week that he would miss the start of the season after receiving an injection of platelet-rich plasma to treat a flexor strain in his forearm. He didn’t give many more details, but hinted that he could be marginalized by the all-star break. While that may still be on the table, today manager David Bell only hinted that Antone would be out at least until the end of April (via Bobby Nightengale from the Cincinnati Enquirer).
Antone is coming off a lost 2022 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery towards the end of season 21. It was the second such procedure of his career, with injuries conspiring to rob the Reds of what was arguably their best helper. Prior to his surgery, the former fifth-round recruit had pitched 33 2/3 innings for 2.14 ERA balls with a 32.8% strikeout rate.
Getting him back as soon as possible will be crucial for a Cincinnati club that hasn’t made any MLB additions to its bullpen this offseason. The Reds Auxiliary Corps was a bottom ten unit on both ERA and strikeout/walk rate difference last season. The expected returns of Antone and Luke Sims from surgical rehabs would have reinstalled a pair of high leverage options. Sims is on track for full spring participation, Bell told reporters today, but Antone’s loss pulls one of the top-grossing hurlers from the mix.
Cincinnati might as well be without it Toni Santillan to start the season, Bell hinted. The 6’3″ right-hander missed out on the second half of last year due to a back injury. That obviously affected his offseason, and Santillan is lagging behind in his throwing program. A former second-round pick and once one of the most interesting pitching prospects in the Reds system, he’s settled in as a reliever at the MLB level. Santillan hit the bullpen 21 times last year and allowed 14 runs in 19 2/3 innings.
In happier health news, center fielder Nick Senzel seems mostly ready to go to camp. The 27-year-old told the Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans that he is feeling fine and has recovered from off-season toe surgery (Twitter link). Although he has hinted that he may be a little slower to build than most players, he appears to be on track for opening day. Senzel still seems to be the favorite for regular midfielders, although the Reds have added a potential alternative with the acquisition Will Benson by the Guardians last week. A former runner-up overall, Senzel will be looking for a breakout year after hitting .240/.303/.360 in his first 273 MLB games.