Reds release Dee Strange-Gordon

Well, this is a bit of a surprise for a Friday afternoon.

When the Reds signed Strange-Gordon to a minor league contract, it was seen as a mostly compensatory move after they missed out on the main class of free agent shortstops. After seeing what Strange-Gordon and the other bench bat Kyle Farmer could do, they ended up shifting gears, moving Eugenio Suarez back to the position.

It’s a little bit of a surprising move, though, since Strange-Gordon seems to be, at the very least, the best defensive middle infielder on the roster right now. I would have thought that the Reds could have found a bench spot for someone like him with his defense, speed, and experience.

It seems to be very good news for Alex Blandino, however, who is aiming for a backup infielder spot.

Three players were also assigned to minor league camp today, most notably former first round pick Brandon Finnegan. Finnegan was a long shot to make the Reds’ bullpen, but clearly impressed in his spring training appearances. Here’s hoping that the Reds will keep him around in Louisville and let him continue to try and make his big league return.