STOP: Why the Cincinnati Reds Must AVOID Six-Man Rotation and MAINTAIN Winning EDGE

Cincinnati Reds weigh a bold move with a potential 6-man rotation, but could it derail their playoff hopes? Jeff and Steve scrutinize Derek Johnson’s unprompted suggestion, spotlighting why history—and roster balance—might be stacked against it. They break down how reducing bullpen spots could undo offseason improvements, and question the wisdom of altering routines for arms like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott.   The hosts also spotlight explosive spring performances from Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and JJ Bleday, as well as the battle for the final bullpen spot, where Tejay Antone’s electric return challenges Connor Phillips and Zach Maxwell. With the roster nearly set, attention turns to key position battles and how the Reds can use strategic option shuttling to keep their pitching staff fresh. Can Cincinnati find the winning formula while managing so many talented arms?   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…   Everydayer Club   If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join the Locked On Reds community: https://lockedonreds.supercast.com     BOOKMARK Sports Illustrated’s Cincinnati Reds site, Cincinnati Reds Talk! https://www.si.com/mlb/reds/   Also follow @jefffcarr and @soffenbaker on Twitter   00:00 - Reds 6-Man Rotation Debate 06:00 - Spring Training Takeaways 22:44 - Bullpen Battle: Antone Returns   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)   #Reds #CincinnatiReds #mlb Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.