Cincinnati Reds vs. Oakland Athletics - News - March 01, 2021

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Backup bid off to strong startGarcia went 2-for-2 with an RBI and two runs in his Cactus League debut against the Reds on Monday.

ImpactThe 28-year-old backstop is battling Austin Allen to serve as the primary backup to Sean Murphy (chest), and his bid certainly got off to a good start with Monday's performance. Garcia has multiple solid minor-league seasons at the plate on his professional resume; he appeared capable of carrying over that success to the big-league level with a .286/.308/.492 line (65 plate appearances) during his 2018 major-league debut with the Giants before limping to a .143/.217/.310 slash during his most recent taste of the majors in 2019.

MARCH 2, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Andrus eager to work with ChapmanMESA, Ariz. -- Elvis Andrus is well aware of how spoiled he has been while playing on the left side of the infield over his career. During h...

MARCH 2, 2021•MLB.COM

Opens eyes with first spring homerOlson's two-run home run in his Cactus League debut against the Reds on Monday boasted an exit velocity of approximately 116 mph, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

ImpactAll the required disclaimers about spring training aside, Olson's moon shot was nevertheless encouraging after he spent the offseason tweaking his swing following a paltry .195 average and 31.4 percent strikeout rate in 2020. Monday's blast went beyond the two bullpens situated behind right field before landing in the players' parking lot -- perhaps an early harbinger of Olson returning to the caliber of production that netted a 36-homer, 91-RBI season just two years ago.

MARCH 2, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Making strong early impressionReed, who is angling for an Opening Day reserve outfield spot, caught the eye of manager Bob Melvin with both his bat and glove over the Athletics' first two Cactus League games, M...

ImpactReed, who's primarily stood out for his defense throughout a minor-league career that dates back to 2016, cut down Matt Beaty at home plate in the second inning of Sunday's Cactus League opener, and repeated the feat Monday by nailing the Reds' Alfredo Rodriguez at third base. Reed also slugged a two-run home run in the bottom half of the frame for his first hit of spring, leading to plenty of accolades from Melvin. "He gets a first-pitch heater and puts a good swing on it," Melvin said. "But it's the defense that is his calling card. Not only is he able to play all three outfield positions, but he runs and throws well.He's getting an opportunity like he probably never has before in big league camp, and he's taking advantage of it."

MARCH 2, 2021•ROTOWIRE

Doubles in Cactus League debutChapman started at designated hitter and doubled in three at-bats during Monday's Cactus League win over the Reds.

ImpactThe Athletics had already announced their intention to ease Chapman back into his third-base role after offseason hip surgery, so the start at DH wasn't unexpected. The 27-year-old laced a thunderous two-bagger in his final at-bat before calling it an afternoon, and Martin Gallegos of MLB.com notes Chapman is slated to make his defensive debut following Oakland's off day Thursday.

MARCH 2, 2021•ROTOWIRE

A's shortstop Elvis Andrus eager to play alongside Matt Chapman: 'Poetry in motion'New Oakland Athletics shortstop Elvis Andrus sees similarities between Matt Chapman and...

MARCH 2, 2021•SFCHRONICLE.COM

Scratched with sore fingerCastellanos was scratched from the lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Angels with a sore right middle finger, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

ImpactThe injury doesn't sound like a particularly serious one, but the Reds have little reason not to be cautious with one of their top hitters with Opening Day still nearly a month away. Barring further complications, Castellanos should still have plenty of time to get up to speed by the start of the regular season. TJ Friedl will replace him in right field Tuesday, though it would likely be Aristides Aquino or Shogo Akiyama who would see a larger role if Castellanos winds up missing time during the season.

MARCH 2, 2021•ROTOWIRE

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Oakland Athletics - News: Mar 1, 2021

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