Julian Aguiar: Everything you need to know

The Reds optioned Aguiar to minor-league camp Friday. Aguiar is back healthy after Tommy John surgery, but he was always a good bet to begin the season in the minors. The 24-year-old will begin the season in the rotation at Triple-A Louisville.

Aguiar allowed three runs on four hits and struck out two over two innings in Friday's spring game against the Angels. After starter Rhett Lowder breezed through three innings, Aguiar entered and did not fare as well. The latter was tagged for all three runs in the fourth inning and has allowed six hits and four runs over four Cactus League frames. Aguiar is nominally in the mix for the final rotation spot, but both of his main rivals, Lowder and Chase Burns, have performed better.

Aguiar allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out two over two innings in Saturday's spring game against the Guardians. Aguiar stepped on a big-league mound in a game setting for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024. He was the third of three candidates for the final spot in the Reds rotation to pitch in the Cactus League opener, as Chase Burns started the game followed by Rhett Lowder. Aguiar threw 30 pitches (18 strikes) and used all the pitches in his arsenal, but he didn't face the toughest competition as Cleveland's expected regulars were out of the game by the time Aguiar entered in the fifth inning.