Injury Report: Cincinnati Reds' Nick Masset to Start Season on DL

I know you're all probably freaking out over this if you didn't know already, but, according to beat writer John Fay, Nick Masset will begin the season on the 15-day DL.

This may not be overly surprising to fans who have kept tabs on the Reds in spring training thus far. Masset hasn't been very active and at one point was shut down for 12 days.

According to Dusty Baker, Masset's injury isn't remotely serious, "The MRI showed it’s not the rotation cuff, not the labrum, it’s just inflammation. He’ll rest a week. Hopefully, he’ll miss a minimal amount of time.”

Reds fans reading this should begin holding their breath now, though, as another long-term injury to the bullpen could be a disaster.

The injury does have some implications for the team in the immediate future though.

With Masset beginning the year on the DL, that leaves two slots in the bullpen needing to be filled. My guess is that Jeff Francis will join the team on its trip back to Cincinnati and will make the Opening Day roster.

As for the second slot, your guess is as good as mine. Aroldis Chapman has looked so good in spring training that I'm beginning to wonder if he will make the Reds starting rotation.

Homer Bailey, on the other hand, has been dismal this spring. He's stuck to his trend of being a streaky pitcher and thus far hasn't solidified his hold on the fifth spot in the rotation.

I think there's definite possibility of the Reds rotation being Cueto, Latos, Arroyo, Leake and Chapman, with the bullpen to start the season being Francis, Bailey, LeCure, Arredondo, Ondrusek, Bray and Marshall.