The collective ‘phew’ from Cincinnati could be heard all the way to the Ohio River. As Opening Day approaches, the Cincinnati Reds are walking a tightrope this spring. The club got the needed news just when a significant setback seemed inevitable. After suffering a troubling thumb injury, Jose Trevino, their recently acquired catcher, looked like he might have to go to the injured list. But he has avoided an IL stint, much to the relief of the front office and the fans.

The tension was palpable, the collective gasp audible. The team removed Jose Trevino from yesterday’s game when a foul tip hit his throwing hand. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Gordon Wittenmyer, Trevino took “precautionary” x-rays yesterday. A CT scan on Saturday revealed no fracture in the affected area, which was between the base of his right thumb and index finger, while X-rays taken late Friday were equivocal.

“I could play today,” Jose Trevino said confidently before heading to the team complex for a CT scan on his thumb, which fortunately returned negative. He’s now listed as day-to-day. “He’s pretty upbeat—that’s probably the best sign,” manager Terry Francona said Saturday morning.

By Saturday morning, No.35 was showing positive signs of recovery. As the Reds monitor his recovery, the fact that he was not wearing a wrap on his thumb and that the swelling had decreased was encouraging. In the winter, the franchise acquired Jose Trevino from the Yankees in exchange for experienced reliever Fernando Cruz.

Jose Trevino played 74 games with New York last season, hitting a .215 with 8 home runs and a .642 OPS. Trevino is a great asset as the Reds prepare for Opening Day because of his ability to frame pitches and oversee the pitching staff. So, it’s great that he will be fine.

With Trevino avoiding the IL, can the Reds breathe easy — or is there still reason for concern?

Reds find comfort in Jose Trevino’s dependability

When they acquired Jose Trevino, the Reds intended to invest in stability and leadership behind the plate, not just to fill a catcher’s spot. Trevino brought a strong defensive background to Cincinnati. Losing him can create a void in the bullpen, putting more pressure on the Reds’ younger arms to step up.

They will already start the season with a loss without their primary catcher, Tyler Stephenson, who has an oblique ailment.

With Opening Day quickly approaching, Reds manager Terry Francona would rather avoid the problem of determining who will fill in if Trevino is injured. Austin Wynns is the sole dependable backup because the Reds lack depth at the catching position.

Despite having less than 100 games of experience at even the Triple-A level, Will Banfield and Michael Trautwein are both in camp as non-roster invitees and have never played in the major leagues. If Trevino misses time, the team could have to look into outside options to strengthen the position before the season begins.

When asked about the potential need for another catcher, Francona mentioned, “I don’t think we want to do that.”

He mentioned valuing his pitchers and remains confident they can handle without Stephenson for some time. But he spoke about Austin Wynns in full confidence, stating, “Wynns has gone through camp and has been a solid pro and that’s kind of why we brought him here.”

Trevino now holds the key to validating the Reds’ trade. His performance will tell the tale. Will the Reds’ risk on Trevino’s fitness and defensive ability pay off as the season progresses, or will their catching depth issues eventually determine their destiny?