GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said Jonathan India will begin spring training games around March 7 or 8.
India's plantar fasciitis, which put him on the injured list last year, surfaced in the offseason. India has put in a lot of work in spring training, but he will continue that work in a controlled environment while he gets back to fitness before playing in a game.
“He’ll have time to prepare for Opening Day,” Bell said. “He does a lot. We'll make sure he's ready. The reason games are delayed is because we can't control as much because of the workload that's on his foot. But he's going to get a lot of live at-bats and stuff like that without running the bases. From a baseball perspective, he’ll be ready.”
During the off-season, India tore plantar fasciitis so he did not require surgery. It cannot re-injure itself, but it can become aggravated and it rebuilds itself through progression. Substitute Ian Gibaut has a pronator strain and will not throw for three to five days. “Nothing serious,” Bell said.
Tony Kemp increases the Reds' infield depth
In 2022 and 2023, infielder Tony Kemp was the veteran leader of an Oakland Athletics team that had one of the worst rosters in the major leagues.
Kemp signed a minor league contract with the Reds on Friday. The only parallel he sees between his new team and his old team is the youth in both squads.
“It’s obviously been a tough few years,” Kemp said. “There was a lot of talking with the younger people. But the biggest thing here is that this (Reds) team wants to win and is going for championships and division titles. You want to be a part of that.”
The Reds train in Williams uniforms in the spring Williams: See through the complaints. The introduction of Major League Baseball jerseys is embarrassing
Spring training in the Reds outfield The Reds enter the 2024 season with the outfield as an under-the-radar strength
Kemp was an everyday player for most of his eight-year career, but his worst season came in 2023 when he hit .209 with a .607 OPS.
Kemp failed to find a big league contract in free agency and joined the Reds in the middle of spring training. He competes for a spot on the roster and gives the Reds more infield depth in the organization.
“I’m excited to be here,” Kemp said. “It's an exciting team with a lot of talent. I'm excited to get started. The biggest problem I noticed is the many connections here. When you see these young people, you want to be around veterans. What excites me is that there is an opportunity to grow here. In the big leagues it won't always be as clear-cut as you'd like. Unfortunately, sometimes difficulties arise. I want to help these young people and speak from experience.”
What first baseman Mike Ford brings to the Reds
The Cincinnati Reds further expanded their organizational depth on Friday, signing first baseman Mike Ford to a minor league deal.
Last year, Ford was an above-average hitter for his position and played a role for a Seattle Mariners team that was fighting for a playoff spot. In 83 big league games, Ford posted a .798 OPS and made impressive hard contact in a small sample.
Reds spring training news Angels manager Elly De La Cruz; The Reds agree a deal with experienced utility man Tony Kemp
Reds spring training Don Gullett Bass: Why Don Gullett of the Reds finally got “lucky.”
Reds spring training Wittenmyer & Williams: Why is Jonathan India still a Red? Here are reasons no one talks about
“I locked myself in,” Ford said. “I want to become a well-rounded hitter again. The power was there. I got away with not going to the opposite field. I can handle fastballs. The breaking bullet was occasionally the kryptonite. That's what I've been working on to find a better bat path for these fields. I’m excited to see where it goes.”
Ford joins a large group of Reds infielders with MLB experience on minor league contracts. In addition to Ford and Kemp, the Reds have Josh Harrison, Erik Gonzalez and Mark Mathias. Infield prospects Edwin Arroyo and Tyler Callihan are also in big league camp.
Reds first baseman Nick Martini, one of the team's most successful players last September, is also vying for the 26th spot on the roster and has a minor league option for 2024.
Ford faces an uphill climb to make the Opening Day roster, but he wasn't worried about his fit with the organization.
“It's a great team that's moving in the right direction,” said Ford. “I wanted to be a part of it. I jumped on board. Let's see what we can do. When I score, I expect to be involved in some way. Who knows? It depends on the bat.”