GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Cincinnati Reds first-year manager David Bell made his first big decision by naming Luis Castillo as the club’s Opening Day starter. Castillo will start the March 28 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park.
Bell said the rotation order will be Castillo, Sonny Gray, Tanner Roark and Anthony DeSclafani.
Castillo was chosen over Gray and Roark, both with veteran experience acquired in offseason trades.
DeSclafani has been with the club longer. All three pitchers are having strong springs.
Bell informed Castillo and the other pitchers of the decision about an hour before Tuesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
The third offseason rotation addition, Alex Wood, is expected to begin the season on the injured list because of a sore lower back.