GOODYEAR, Ariz. – When the Cincinnati Reds traded for starting pitcher Mike Minor early in spring training, the front office prioritized adding experience and depth in the starting rotation.
At the time, the Reds had about 10 pitchers competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, but most of those pitchers lacked experience at the big league level. Since injuries can tax a big league rotation over the course of the season, the Reds saw value in adding a veteran starter.
It only took two weeks of spring training for the Reds' rotation depth to be tested.