The winter leagues can be a great place for a player to get a jump on spring training. For the likes of Cincinnati Reds‘ prospect Brian Rey, a strong showing in those leagues could mean a better spring training. As Rey is hoping to, at minimum, begin the 2022 campaign at Triple-A, his performance during the winter could make the difference.
Instead, his time in the Puerto Rican Winter League has been cut short. Rey was struck in the eye with a 95 MPH ball during a game on Sunday.
Reds prospect OF/2B Brian Rey was hit by a 95mph ball straight to his right eye yesterday in the game between @MayaguezIndios and @SanturceLBPRC in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) December 27, 2021
(via @VazquezMuniz)pic.twitter.com/k9VV4IolWN
Cincinnati Reds prospect Brian Rey suffers scary injury in winter league game
Naturally, when one sees such an injury, older baseball fans cannot but help to think of Tony Conigliaro. He had been on pace for what could have been a Hall of Fame career before being struck in the face with a pitch, his career never the same afterward.
While it is far too early to compare Rey to Conigliaro, he is expected to have a future with the Reds. Rey rocketed through the minors last season, ending the 2021 campaign with a brief stint in Triple-A. He produced a solid .289/.368/.425 batting line in his 357 plate appearances across three levels, hitting nine homers and 13 doubles.
Rey is not projected to be a star, but he could have a solid future with the Reds. He is viewed as a potential utility man, someone that can play all three outfield positions and second base. His ability to make contact, respectable power, and decent speed make him a perfect role player, someone who could get action three or four times a week at different positions.
Hopefully, this injury will not impact his future. Rey could end up making an impact on the Reds as soon as this season should he perform well at Triple-A to start the 2022 campaign. However, spring training will be important for more than getting ready for the season, as the Reds will want to make sure he is not suffering any ill effects from being struck.
Cincinnati Reds prospect Brian Rey was struck in the eye during a winter league game on Sunday. Hopefully, he will recover without issue.