Zach Buchanan

zbuchanan@enquirer.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price had heard all the overwhelmingly positive reports about young left-hander Cody Reed. He’d heard how sad coaches in the Kansas City Royals' system were to lose Reed at last year’s trade deadline when the pitcher was shipped to Cincinnati, and Price had heard wonderful things from Double-A Pensacola manager Pat Kelly once Reed arrived.

But it took seeing Reed up close to it to really sink in. The 22-year-old has given up just one run in eight innings, striking out seven.

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“I could not have anticipated him pitching as well as he has and having the presence he has,” Price said. “But I was told ahead of time that was the type of animal that he is. Pretty special talent, from what I’ve seen so far. I don’t think I’m going out on the limb with that.”

Reed has just 13 starts above A-ball, but Price wouldn’t rule him out to make the starting rotation out of camp. The manager did admit that was a bit of a “cheeky” statement, though, since some pitchers clearly have a leg up on others in the rotation battle.

What Price could say with more certainty is that Reed will be a fast mover through the system. If he’s not on the Opening Day roster, Reed would likely make his big-league debut before the season is over.

“At some point in time in 2016 you’ll see him,” Price said. “I think he’s going to be an impact pitcher for us, I really do.”

Injury updates

Price said center fielder Billy Hamilton and catcher Devin Mesoraco are “very close” to getting into a Cactus League game. Hamilton has been dealing with shoulder soreness and Mesoraco dealt with a quad-related hiccup in his return from hip surgery.

Mesoraco said thinks he could see game action by March 17. Prospect Kyle Waldrop is also close to debuting after dealing with a groin issue.

Also returning on the 17th should be right-hander Michael Lorenzen. Lorenzen took a step back from pitching for a couple days after dealing with elbow tenderness, but is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday. Fellow right-hander Keyvius Sampson, who has been slowed in his return from arthroscopic elbow surgery, should return to action in the next couple days as well.

Further away are left-hander John Lamb and outfielder Jesse Winker. Lamb is still throwing off flat ground after dealing with glute soreness while trying to return from offseason back surgery.

“I don’t see him not being ready to pitch by late April,” Price said.

Winker, who collided with fellow outfielder Jake Cave last Thursday, is still several days away from returning.

“I don’t think his getting back in the lineup is imminent,” Price said.

Selection Sunday

Spring training doesn’t leave a manager a lot of free time, but Price will be keeping an eye out for the announcement of the postseason fate of his alma mater’s basketball team.

The University of California went 23-10 and is ranked 24th, its best finish since 2011-12.

“They’re really a fun team to watch because you see guys that might actually be NBA-capable players on their roster,” Price said. “It’s something that doesn’t happen too often.”

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