Cincinnati Reds spring training: Reds drop fifth straight Cactus League decision

GOODYEAR, Arizona - The Cincinnati Reds (9-12-1) led early but got clouted late in an 13-7 Cactus League home loss Saturday to the Kansas City Royals at Goodyear Ballpark, losing for the fifth straight game in spring training play.

Austin Wynns, shown earlier this spring, delivered a two-run single with two out in the second for the Reds.

More struggles for Reds closer Alexis Diaz

Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz, a 2022 All-Star who has struggled since, hasn't thrown a clean inning yet this spring, including his worst outing Saturday when he couldn't get more than one out in his scheduled inning of work, walking home a pair of runs along the way and leaving the bases loaded.

Six of the seven batters he faced reach base, including a double and three walks. He eventually was charged with all five runs in the Kansas City fifth.

Diaz suffered a cut on top of the thumb on his pitching hand, apparently caused by a fingernail scraping the thumb, and play was stopped while the trainer and umpires checked on him. He faced one more batter before manager Terry Francona pulled him.

Francona did not blame Diaz's problems on the thumb. "It's his third outing, and certainly we've got to lock it in here," the manager said.

Hunter Greene readies for Reds Opening Day

In his second-to-last outing before his second career Opening Day start, Hunter Greene struck out six in four innings, allowing two runs in the 74-pitch start.

He'll start once more before the Reds break camp on March 23, then open on the mound against the San Francisco Giants at home March 27.

Catcher Austin Wynns-win situation

Cincinnati Reds catcher Austin Wynns, who became the roster beneficiary of starter Tyler Stephenson's oblique injury, delivered a two-out, two-run single up the middle in the second inning for a short-lived 2-1 lead. He finished 1-for-2.

Wynns is expected to open the season as the Reds' backup to Jose Trevino, who ascends to starter status until Stephenson returns.

Up next for Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds host the Seattle Mariners in a 4:05 p.m. (ET) Cactus League home game Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, broadcast on WLW-700 radio. RH Brady Singer starts for the Reds.

The Reds' minor-league prospects also play their edition of MLB's "Spring Breakout" showcase Sunday at 7:40 p.m. (ET) against the Brewers prospects in Maryvale, Arizona, on MLB Network TV.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds spring training: Reds drop fifth straight spring game

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