The Cincinnati Reds finalize Opening Day roster, call up Bubba Thompson

Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati Enquirer

With the final spot on the Opening Day roster, the Cincinnati Reds valued speed, defense and versatility. On Wednesday, Reds manager David Bell announced that Bubba Thompson, who the Reds claimed off waivers in February, has been named the final player on the roster.

After getting waived four times during the offseason, Thompson will start the year in the big leagues.

“I had a go around in the offseason,” Thompson said. “This is a wonderful opportunity. Every day, I’ve got an opportunity to show what I can do for the team and bring a good energy and a good vibe every day.”

Bubba Thompson, here stealing second during a game earlier in spring training, offers the Reds speed and defense with the ability to play center field. He was named the 26th and final player on the Opening Day roster Wednesday.
Bubba Thompson, here stealing second during a game earlier in spring training, offers the Reds speed and defense with the ability to play center field. He was named the 26th and final player on the Opening Day roster Wednesday.

Last year, Thompson had the fifth-fastest sprint speed in all of MLB. He also gives the Reds a third player who can play center field, providing depth behind Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild.

Reds Opening Day Matt Mclain Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain undergoes shoulder surgery

Reds Opening Day Frankie Montas For Reds' Opening Day starter Frankie Montas, every pitch has a story

Reds Opening Day Elly De La Cruz Elly-ectricity in the air as De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds open season of big expectations

In 92 career big league games, Thompson has a .591 OPS, which is well below average for a center fielder. He has to improve as a hitter against fastballs, but Thompson’s speed and defense give him ways to impact a game.

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

Here’s the Reds’ 26-man roster.

Catcher: Tyler Stephenson, Luke Maile

Infield: Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Nick Martini, Jonathan India, Santiago Espinal, Jeimer Candelario, Elly De La Cruz

Outfield: Spencer Steer, Benson, Fairchild, Jake Fraley, Bubba Thompson

Rotation: Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Nick Martinez

Bullpen: Alexis Diaz, Emilio Pagán, Lucas Sims, Brent Suter, Fernando Cruz, Justin Wilson, Buck Farmer, Tejay Antone

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bubba Thompson gets added as the Reds finalize Opening Day roster

Advertisement