Reds Rotation 'More Robust' According to MLB Experts

For MLB.com, Mark Sheldon broke down the rotation and claimed that it'll be a point of strength this year:

"The Reds thought they had enough starting pitching depth last year until injuries and attrition told them otherwise. They have had even more arms in their 2025 camp and the depth is already coming in handy. Once Andrew Abbott (left shoulder) was not deemed ready to begin the season, Cincinnati turned to Carson Spiers, who went out and earned the fifth spot behind Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, Brady Singer and Nick Lodolo. If there's another need down the road, the club should have Abbott back in April while offseason signing Wade Miley (Tommy John surgery) should be ready in May. Also waiting in the wings are prospect arms like Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty and Chase Burns. Graham Ashcraft, who was in the rotation battle, is being converted to a reliever."

Andrew Abbott and Wade Miley are on the IL and the prospects are right there chomping at the bit to show what they can do. Last year, Rhett Lowder made his debut and subsequently posted a ridiculous 378 ERA+ in six starts. He allowed a grand total of four runs in 30.2 innings and struck out 22 in his first MLB action.

The question will be whether or not Carson Spiers lasts in that fifth spot. Last year, he pitched in 22 games (10 starts) and managed a 5.46 ERA and 1.533 WHIP in 90.2 innings. Ideally, you'd want a better fifth starter, especially when Lowder is right there. This spring, he pitched 10 innings and allowed three runs while striking out 10. 

It's easy to second-guess this decision but when it comes to Terry Francona, it's probably best to just trust the process. Spiers isn't likely going to be a season-long piece of the rotation and will hold down the fort as Abbott gets healthy. If he can just keep the Reds in a winnable game, they should be okay.