baseball

Terry Francona Sends Nathaniel Lowe Message After Cincinnati Reds Decision

Yahoo Sports

Terry Francona had a message for Cincinnati Reds first baseman Nathaniel Lowe ahead of Opening Day.

The Cincinnati Reds made a big decision ahead of Opening Day, awarding the final spot on the roster to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. The move comes after a competitive spring in which several players made strong cases, but ultimately, experience and fit won out. Lowe signed a minor‑league contract with Cincinnati in February that included an invitation to major‑league spring training.

By making the Opening Day roster, his deal now converts into a $1. 75 million salary, marking a successful outcome in what was essentially a prove‑it situation. The decision did not come without difficult conversations, especially considering the competition he faced.

Manager Terry Francona explained the reasoning behind the move. “It was the role. It’s a bench role.

We really want Bleday and Hinds to play. We told them that. They both swung the bat really well.