Bowden admits he's rushing the right-hander, but he didn't trust Portugal to get the job done. Bell is a control pitcher with a big curveball. Graves and Williamson will open the season as co-closers. Graves saved 27 games a year ago and Williamson saved 19. Both would like the ninth-inning job, but neither will complain if he has to set up.
Graves relies on a nasty sinker and can go two or three innings.
The Reds probably will limit his innings more this year to prevent the shoulder problems he experienced in September. Sullivan and Reyes will be the primary setup men. The sidewinding right-hander gives hitters a different look than Graves or Williamson, and his slider is nasty. The lefty Reyes will be relied on to get tough left-handed hitters out. His control was better this spring, and he has a 94 mph fastball.