Bobby

Estalella

Estalella expected to be checked out by the team doctor Thursday night, and said it’s still possible that he could develop appendicitis.

Estalella probably won’t miss any time that couldn’t have gone to Charles Johnson anyway.

Estalella’s elbow has ached for two weeks, but he didn’t have it treated until Monday because, like most reserves, he was fearful of losing already scarce playing time. He’ll be re-evaluated today. If he requires additional time off, Mandy Romero could come up from Triple-A Colorado Springs to back up Charles Johnson.

Estalella was shut down Friday when inflammation returned. Surgery is possible if the loose bodies in his elbow settle in the joint, but Estalella hopes to return this season.

Gregg Zaun is doing a great job for the Blue Jays, so the chances of Estalella getting back to the majors with Toronto don’t look good.

Estalella is either as good as or a better hitter than Charles Johnson. If he keeps hitting a couple of homers each game, he’ll probably earn some extra playing time.

Estalella ended up missing the final 3 1/2 months with an ankle injury that was originally a day-to-day thing. He probably won’t be re-signed. The other notable name here is File, who has had his promising career seemingly wrecked by shoulder problems.

The Reds lost Corky Miller to Minnesota, so they needed a third catcher. Estalella probably won’t get an opportunity to beat out Javier Valentin for reserve duties behind Jason LaRue, but he can serve as veteran insurance in Triple-A.

Estalella should continue to outhit Charles Johnson, but as long as Johnson remains moderately productive -- and he did have two big games against San Diego last week -- Estalella will only get a couple of starts per week.

Estalella has already chosen free agency. It appears the Reds have decided to keep Jacob Cruz over a third catcher. That’s a good idea, but we’d still take Estalella over Javier Valentin as a backup. The former Giant was 13-for-28 with two homers this spring.