Spring training matchups can sometimes feel like a toss-up, but this Cactus League clash between the Reds and Athletics is a fascinating study in team strategy and player development. Andrew Abbott, in his first Cactus League appearance this season, gave up a home run and two earned runs over just 2 innings. Now, he’s set to take the mound again on Sunday, this time against the Oakland Athletics—a team that seems to have more names than a real estate developer’s portfolio—at their Mesa home field. The Reds are in the midst of a mini road trip through central Arizona, a region affectionately known as the 'Land of the Endless Strip Mall.'
But here's where it gets interesting: While it’s tempting to label the Reds’ lineup for this game as their B-squad, it’s far from a second-string effort. In fact, this year’s 'B-squad' feels like a significant upgrade. Take a look at the lineup: Nate Lowe batting cleanup, a dynamic top of the order featuring Will Benson, Noelvi Marte, and JJ Bleday, and even Tyler Stephenson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand anchoring the bottom. This isn’t your average spring training filler—it’s a group of players with real potential and something to prove.
And this is the part most people miss: The bullpen for this game is anything but a B-squad. Emilio Pagan, Connor Phillips, Brock Burke, Luis Mey, Tony Santillan, and Zach Maxwell are all on the travel roster, ready to showcase their skills. This isn’t just a game to fill the schedule—it’s an opportunity for these players to make their case for a spot on the main roster.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 PM ET, and while there’s no televised coverage (again), you can catch all the action on 700 WLW. But here’s the controversial question: With such a strong lineup and bullpen, is this still just a spring training game, or is it a sneak peek at the Reds’ future core? Let us know what you think in the comments—are these players ready for the big leagues, or is there still work to be done?
Here’s the full travel roster for the game:
[Insert roster here]
