Reds drop one to KC, sign reliever Strickland

In Thursday’s Cactus League game, the Reds lost 5-4 to Kansas City.

Joey Votto hit his first dinger of the season.  Teammates Brandon Drury, Tyler Naquin and Cristian Santana also drove in a run.

The Redlegs are off Friday but will be back in action Saturday against the Giants.  You can hear that game on 103.9 WRBI beginning at 3:50 pm.

Cincy has inked a deal with right-handed reliever Hunter Strickland.  The eight-year major league veteran played for three different teams last season where he had a combined 1.73 ERA over 35 appearances.

The 33-year-old Strickland is expected to pitch in the back end of the bullpen which could include some closing duties.