Reds manager Bryan Price said the closer job is Hoover's to lose, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Essentially, Price is confirming what many have suspected since the Reds traded Aroldis Chapman to the Yankees. Hoover's 2.94 ERA (4.47 FIP) last season was backed by poor peripherals (7.3 K/9, 4.3 BB/9), putting him on thin ice to retain the ninth-inning role barring improvement. It should be noted, however, that he missed bats at a greater clip in 2014 (10.8 K/9), but his propensity to serve up long balls (1.87 HR/9) ballooned his ERA to 4.88. The Reds aren't overwhelmed with viable alternatives at the moment, but a decision to move a young starter into the bullpen could eventually provide a credible threat to Hoover's hold on the job. One particularly intriguing option is Robert Stephenson, who is expected to receive consideration for a rotation spot this spring.