Cincinnati Reds: What to know about 2023 Opening Day roster

The Reds announced their first lineup and their 26-man Opening Day roster hours before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manager David Bell’s last decision involved adding 27-year-old outfielder Stuart Fairchild to the roster.

The Reds claimed Fairchild off waivers from the Seattle Mariners last June. He hit .279 (24 for 86) in 38 games. He appeared in 15 spring training games and hit .258 (8 for 31) before being optioned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats on March 20.

“It was a tough decision to send him down in the first place,” Bell said. “He does a lot of things that help our team win. He’s done it at this level. He’s an outstanding defender. He runs well, hits for power. He’s definitely a weapon off the bench. He’s going to get starts as well. Even though it was tough sending him down, to be able to bring him back, that was nice because we know Stuart well and he’s going to help our team.”

Here’s what else fans should know about the Opening Day roster:

Oldest player: Last year, the Reds had six players born in the 1980s on the Opening Day roster, including Joey Votto, who was born on Sept. 10, 1983. Although Votto, now 39, was at Great American Ball Park on Thursday warming up with the team, he will start the season on the injured list and will begin a rehab appearance with Louisville on Friday.

Only one player born in the ‘80s was on the roster Thursday: catcher Curt Casali, who turned 34 on Nov. 9.

Youngest player: Opening Day starter Hunter Greene, the youngest pitcher to start the opener for the Reds since 22-year-old Frank Pastore in 1980, is 23 and is the only player born in 1999 on the roster.

Longest-tenured player: Reliever Joel Kuhnel made his Reds debut on Aug. 16, 2019. He has made 67 appearances in three seasons.

First-time Reds: The new Reds in the starting lineup were: first baseman Jason Vosler, who spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco Giants; right fielder Wil Myers, who spent the last eight seasons with the San Diego Padres; and left fielder Will Benson, who made his big-league debut with the Cleveland Indians last season.

Other players who will make their Reds debut when they see action are: relievers Alex Young and Ian Giabaut; catcher Luke Maile; and second baseman Kevin Newman.

Opening Day streaks: Stephenson made his second straight Opening Day start at catcher. India started at second base for the third straight year.

Votto’s streak of 14 straight Opening Day starts ended. Nick Senzel, who also started the season on the injured list, streak ended at three games.

Tallest Red: Nick Lodolo, who will start the second game of the season on Saturday, is 6-foot-6.

Shortest Red: Outfielder T.J. Friedl, 5-10, and infielder Spencer Steer, 5-11, are the only players under 6-0.