Overview
- Manager Terry Francona said Ferguson’s right oblique strain is mild and expressed hope the recovery could be a matter of weeks.
- The left-hander’s Reds debut is delayed after signing a one-year, $4.5 million deal in December.
- Ferguson struggled this spring, allowing five runs and letting nine of 13 batters reach base, which had already complicated bullpen evaluations.
- Sam Moll’s chances of making the Opening Day roster increase, though Francona noted the club may not replace Ferguson with another left-hander.
- The setback comes as Cincinnati prepares to be without ace Hunter Greene for months following elbow arthroscopy to remove loose bodies.