The Reds have designated outfielder Nick Martini for assignment, MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon was among those to report on Twitter. His roster spot will go to just-signed outfielder Shogo Akiyama.
Martini was added in an offseason waiver claim. He might’ve been given a shot at carving out a reserve or platoon role in camp — and perhaps still could, if he clears waivers and depending upon the remaining course of the Reds’ offseason. But the addition of Akiyama, another southpaw swinging player who can handle center field, largely obviated the team’s need for Martini.
There’s a chance Martini will be claimed again. He has been an unstoppable on-base force at Triple-A in the past two seasons and had quite a nice showing in his 2018 debut with the Athletics. Martini doesn’t have much power and took a step back in limited opportunities last year. It’s important to note, too, that he has mostly been limited to facing right-handed pitching in the majors. But the general profile — a tough out with ample experience at all three outfield spots — holds some appeal.
bobtillman
OBVIATED????? “I went to Law School, la, la, la, la, la”……..
Now Martini I understood…..
leefieux
Always need new words for those heated Scrabble tournaments at the Community center.
jkoch717
Was Martini shaken off the roster and was he stirred up about it?
I’ll see myself out…
wvredsfan
‍♂️
nymetsking
Does anyone here have a license to kill? Please?
Robertowannabe
I do not have a license to kill but I did stay at the Holiday Inn Express last night!
bitteroldman
And I thought this was a Geico ad
jkoch717
You have potential! And you…have…po…tential…
AtlSoxFan
Red sox claim?
bobtillman
Not impossible. This off season reminds me of when Henry and Theo first took over, and had to ruefully admit they weren’t worried about Rule 5, because they didn’t have 40 players worth protecting.
Obviously the top part of the roster is better than those days, but #s30-40 are pretty much grabbing guys off the street.
thorshair
The guy from its a wonderful life?
Ducey
Nope. Nick and Mr. Martini are two different people.
But I gave you a thumbs up anyway.
joe6pack
Look at me , I’m giving out wings!
joe6pack
He was released because he made hard drinks for men who want to get drunk fast.
khopper10
Tigers claim
HalosHeavenJJ
Angels need a fourth outfielder.
prov356
Yeah, Hermosillo is currently listed as the fourth and he hasn’t figured out MLB pitching. Once Adell is up, Goodwin can serve as the 4th. Depth is always good though.
mrpadre19
Martinis’ career is now certainly “on the rocks” which is not “neat.”!
earmbrister
Chuckled
Nocahoma55
This is a neat story. Some may feel like they did him dirty. When reached for comment, Martini said he was “shaken, not stirred”
gmenfan
Zaidi is running for the phone.
solaris602
Martini does have fresh legs capable of patrolling triples alley. SF should be all over this.
Big glove502
Related to some Solaris. But I agree, saw a bit of him with Oakland and if you can play 3 of positions and your an on base machine, that sounds like a leadoff hitter on a rebuilding team.
Robust Scouting
Does this mean Rossi is the next guy to go?
1738hotlinebling
Either Cubs or Giants on this one
nentwigs
When reached for comment, Martini was out purchasing Vodka, Vermouth and Olives. !!
clepto
#Fail
SDHotDawg
Padres should claim him back. However, Preller’s too stupid to do that.
mrpadre19
SDHotDawg Really?
So we should bring back Martini and drop who?
Is he taking a 26 man spot from Pham,Margot,Grisham,Myers or Franchy?
Who you wanna drop from the 40 man to put this guy in AAA?
SDHotDawg
Ooh, a Preller apologist!
Let’s see: Franchy belongs in the minors until he learns to play defense … Grisham was never a prospect … Myers is a K-machine and defensive liability … Pham has a UCL issue that could put him down at any time …
It’s snarky know-it-all loyalists like you that give our fan base a bad reputation.
Gwynning
Ackshually… my mama always said when you point your finger at someone then you got 4 pointing back at you
SDHotDawg
When people choose to use such illogical “questions” to refute a point, they deserve to be called out.
Orioles Fan
Orioles pickup?
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Hope the cubs pick him up. He’d be a decent 4th outfielder.
TLB2001
Hope to see this K-Stater land somewhere. GO CATS!
SDHotDawg
Martini is an On-Base machine with a good contact bat from the left side. Somebody will take a chance.