The Cincinnati Reds have traded both Dan Straily and Brandon Phillips for five prospects since January 1. That opens up a place in the starting rotation and second base. More important, it opens up two spots on the 25-man roster.
The most likely person to take advantage of the Straily deal will be top pitching prospect Amir Garrett. Heading into spring training games, he had been penciled in to the number four spot in the rotation. Prior to the deal, it looked like Garrett’s immediate future would be in Triple-A or the bullpen. He is looking good to make the rotation.