Adam Duvall makes Reds, could start in left

With Duvall securing a roster spot, the outfield picture cleared up a bit. Tyler Holt was optioned to Triple A Louisville, leaving Scott Schebler, Jake Cave and Yorman Rodriguez still competing as spring training winds to a close.

Price has a platoon in mind for left field but it’s not clear who will share the position with Duvall, who bats right-handed.

Schebler is making a late move, batting .288 with at least one RBI in the last four games, but Rodriguez (225, one double, one RBI) and Cave (.224 with a double, homer and three RBIs) have struggled.

Rodriguez is out of options and Cave, a Rule 5 draft pick, would have to clear waivers and be offered back to the Yankees if he does not make the 25-man roster.

Meanwhile, the pitching plans became less muddled as Drew Hayes, Ryan Mattheus, Pedro Villarreal and J.C Ramirez were re-assigned to minor league camp. All were on minor-league contracts. Lefty Chris O’Grady, a Rule 5 pick, cleared waivers and was offered back to the Los Angeles Angels, who have three days to reclaim him for $25,000.

Thirty-five players remain in major-league camp, including Tim Melville, who is available to start the third game of the season against Philadelphia. The Reds would have to add him to one of the open spots on the 40-man roster or they can recall Robert Stephenson or allow Keyvius Sampson to make the start.

Melville pitched six strong innings against the Indians on Saturday. He has allowed 11 earned runs in 17 1/3 innings but the Reds like his stuff and his change-up has come along during camp.

Hayes being sent out was the surprise of the roster moves. The former Dayton Dragon did the best among the non-roster pitchers but his status cost him a spot.

“He pitched well and put himself on the map,” Price said of the reliever who pitched 10 innings in eight appearances, allowing one earned run, fanning 13 and walking four. “Roster considerations affected him but he put himself in position to be called up early in the season. When he gets his fastball down, he is really good.”

The late signing of veteran right-hander Ross Ohlendorf took up a roster spot that Hayes could have filled.

The last bench positions come down to Jordan Pacheco and Jose Peraza.

Peraza hit .305 and Pacheco .319 this spring. Both can play multiple positions with Pacheco providing the luxury of a third catcher.

There is internal debate about whether Peraza would benefit more from playing every day in Louisville or filling in three or four times a week in Cincinnati. He can play all of the infield and outfield positions and in particular center field to back up Billy Hamilton. Peraza could allow Zack Cozart extra days off as he builds endurance after his knee injury.

Infielder Ivan De Jesus Jr. was also informed he will be on the roster.

Reds 6, White Sox 3: Joey Votto had four hits and Brandon Phillips homered. Votto has hit safely in 13 of his 19 appearances and reached safely in 17 games.

Minor leaguer Josh Smith pitched five innings of one-run ball in his first Cactus League start. The right-hander struck out six and walked one. Smith retired the first 10 batters before Tyler Saladino hit his fifth home run.