What a relief? Reds must decide on Iglesias’ role

CINCINNATI — One of the offseason questions the Reds must answer is what type of role pitcher Raisel Iglesias will have: starter or reliever? And if he winds up in the bullpen, can Iglesias be their closer?

Iglesias already knew what his vote would be as the 2016 season was winding down.

“I prefer being a reliever,” Iglesias said via interpreter Julio Morillo. “I feel very comfortable right now. I’ve enjoyed pitching from the bullpen.”

Reds manager Bryan Price noted that Iglesias’ wishes may not factor into the final decision. Besides Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen is also a relief candidate. Both pitchers boosted a sagging bullpen upon their returns from injury in June. Lorenzen prefers to go back to starting.

“The decision we have to make is where are they best suited to perform?” Price said. “Because you don’t want to put a square peg in a round hole. You want to make sure you’ve got not just guys excited about the role they’re in, but they’re best suited to perform in those roles.”

Iglesias, who turns 27 in January, was Cincinnati’s Opening Day starter this year and made five starts before a six-week disabled list stint with right shoulder impingement. Shifting him to the bullpen upon his return became a practical choice. The relief corps was not only flailing, but the club was also concerned about whether …

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