Cincinnati Reds announce non-roster spring training invites

Nick Senzel is the headliner among non-roster invitees announced so far by the Cincinnati Reds.

The team’s top prospect is one of four infielders, joining Brandon Dixon, Patrick Kivlehan and Darnell Sweeney.

Kivlehan spent last season with the Reds, hitting nine homers in 115 games.

Seven pitchers have gotten the spring training invite so far: Righties Barrett Astin, Rafael De Paula, Jimmy Herget, Tanner Rainey and Kevin Quackenbush along with lefties Kyle Crockett and Joe Mantiply.

Also invited: Catchers Tony Cruz, Joe Hudson and Chad Tromp along with outfielders Sebastian Elizalde, Rosell Herrera and Mason Williams.

Of course, all eyes figure to be on Senzel.

The third baseman was the Reds first-round draft pick in 2016 and has torn up three levels of the minor leagues, including a .340 average with 10 homers and 34 RBIs in 57 games at Double-A Pensacola last season.

He might have a chance to make the Opening Day roster, but that is unlikely because delaying his debut until midsummer would give the club another year of control of his contract.

General manager Dick Williams has indicated he will spend some time in the outfield in spring training as the club tries to figure out the best way to get him at-bats in the majors when the time comes.

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