Tony Cingrani should be a big part of the Reds new-look rotation. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
It’s been a few years since the Cincinnati Reds began spring training with more than one spot open in the starting rotation.
During the 2012 season, their starting staff made 161 of 162 starts. This year, all but the top two or three spots are open for debate.
Cincinnati traded right-handers Alfredo Simon and Mat Latos during the offseason, and right-hander Homer Bailey, who had season-ending surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm in September, could miss one or two starts to begin the season.
Bailey is progressing well in his rehab, throwing bullpen sessions every three days without issue, but only fastballs initially. When Bailey pitches in a game, the Reds will know more about his status.
The Reds don’t want to rush Bailey back, and everyone seems to be in agreement that missing a couple of starts is worth the sacrifice, especially with a manageable April schedule in which the Reds have just 23 games and two off-days.
Barring an unforeseen occurrence, Johnny Cueto, the Reds’ 20-game winner and National League Cy Young runner-up, will start Opening Day on April 6 against Pittsburgh. Right-hander Mike Leake will pitch the second game of the season on April 8.
After that, it’s anyone’s guess.
“We still have a question mark on when Homer is going to be ready,” manager Bryan Price told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We’ve got a question mark at (the fourth and fifth spots).”
The candidates:
Right hander Anthony DeSclafani, acquired from the Miami Marlins in the Latos deal, allowed an unearned run, struck out two with no walks in two innings in his Reds spring debut this week. He throws strikes and has good command for a 24-year old.
Left-hander Tony Cingrani missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. But he has made 39 major league starts with some success.
Among the most intriguing candidates are 24-year-old Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias, 36-year-old veteran right-hander Jason Marquis, and 32-year-old lefty Paul Maholm.
Iglesias, who was signed to a seven-year, nearly $27 million contract last August, is getting his first taste of the major league level, while Marquis and Maholm have made more than 500 combined big-league starts.
“That’s why Jason and Paul are here. We’re going to need that type of depth,” Price said.
