Austin

Romine

Romine wasn’t going to make the Reds’ season-opening roster, so he’s presumably been let go to see if he can latch on elsewhere before spring training wraps up. The 34-year-old backstop had just three hits in 15 at-bats this spring.

Romine finally broke through and got the Reds on the board with his solo shot off of Wander Suero in the seventh inning. Romine has played sparingly so far this spring, hitting just .214 (3-for-14) with one home run and one RBI. He’s third on the club’s depth chart at the catcher position -- behind Tyler Stephenson and Curt Casali -- which means he’s likely to open the season at Triple-A Louisville.

Romine offers the Reds some additional catching depth this spring in the Cactus League. The 34-year-old journeyman backstop got into 51 games last year between the Angels, Cardinals and Reds, batting .149/.183/.248 with three homers in 127 plate appearances in the majors.

Romine grounded into a pair of double plays, but in his other plate appearance he sent one to the opposite field and just over the wall off of Dakota Hudson in the third inning. It’s the catcher’s second home run in 13 games since joining the Reds.

Romine was designated for assignment by St. Louis on Monday to clear the way for Yadier Molina’s return from the injured list.

Romine is no longer needed with Yadier Molina (knee) slated to be activated Tuesday.

Romine is back with the club after missing the Blue Jays series because he’s not vaccinated. He’ll likely be with the Cards only for a few more days until Yadier Molina (knee) is ready.

Romine is unvaccinated for COVID-19 and will be unable to travel with the Cardinals for their two-game series against the Blue Jays in Toronto due to Canada’s vaccination requirement.

Romine will join Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado on the restricted list when the team travels to Toronto for a two-game series due to his vaccination status.

Molina has been on the injured list for the last two-and-a-half weeks with persistent right knee discomfort and remains in his native Puerto Rico rehabbing. Cardinals manager said that Yadi is “working hard and feeling better” but there is “nothing I’m aware of” as far as a potential timetable for a return goes. The Cards called up Austin Romine on Monday to share catching duties with Andrew Knizner.