Nick

Travieso

A first-round pick in 2012, Travieso missed the last two seasons following shoulder surgery and just recently returned to game action with some rehab outings in rookie ball. He’s only 25 and should get another shot to continue pitching if he wants, but it’s possible he’s never the same again after the shoulder issues.

Travieso was selected 14th overall in last week’s MLB Amateur Draft. The 18-year-old right-hander from Florida will fly to Cincy at some point soon for a physical. “I think we’re just trying to finish up a couple things, hopefully sometime this week,” said Reds GM Walt Jocketty.

Travieso, a hard-throwing high school pitcher out of Miami, will receive a $2 million bonus, which is a bit under the recommended slot value of $2.375 million for the 14th overall pick. The Reds have also agreed to terms with second-round pick Tanner Rahier, a shortstop out of Southern California. He’s set to receive a $649,700 bonus.

Travieso gets a signing bonus of $2 million, which is actually south of the recommended slot value for the 14th overall pick. The 18-year-old right-hander should get his professional career underway later this summer in some form of rookie ball.

Some might consider this a reach, but the Reds clearly love talented, power arms and that’s precisely what Travieso is. The prep from Florida’s favorite player is Roger Clemens and the youngster flings heat like his idol. Travieso can reach the high-90’s and has the potential to develop two plus secondary pitches. But therein lies the rub: Travieso will have to develop a pair of complements to his nasty fastball or iron out his control, or he’ll be destined for the bullpen. If he can’t do either, he’s going to wash out.

The former first-round pick put up a 3.84 ERA and 91/53 K/BB ratio across 117 1/3 frames at Pensacola in 2016. Travieso is now protected from the Rule 5 Draft.

Travieso had to completely restart his throwing program, so he’s not going to be ready for action when Cactus League play begins. The former first-round pick was doubtful to crack the major league roster out of camp anyway. He’ll likely report to Triple-A Louisville sometime in April.

Travieso was given a cortisone shot in his biceps to help combat some shoulder soreness that he’s dealt with since the beginning of camp. He’ll be part of Triple-A Louisville’s rotation once he’s healthy.

Travieso missed all of spring training with biceps inflammation. He’s on the 60-day disabled list, so a return is far off.

Travieso still isn’t throwing due to a biceps issue that’s bothered him all spring, but at least he’ll get a big league paycheck now while he’s rehabbing. There’s no timetable for his return.