CINCINNATI - Two months ago, no one would have expected Scott Feldman to be the Reds’ Opening Day starter. Not even him.
But injuries to Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani have forced manager Bryan Price to turn to Plan C.
Feldman, who mainly pitched out of the bullpen for the Astros and Blue Jays in 2016, will be on the mound April 3 against the Phillies, Price announced Monday.
When Feldman, 34, signed with the Reds in January, the right-hander told WCPO he was just hoping to win a spot in the back of the rotation.
Feldman, who will be making his third career Opening Day start, called Cincinnati “the capital of Opening Day" and said the opportunity to start will be “pretty cool,” Reds.com reported.
RELATED: Feldman's career stats
Price said Feldman's experience will help him cope with the Opening Day pressure, Reds.com reported. Feldman has made 183 starts in his career.
Feldman has a 4.50 ERA and 0-1 record this spring. He has allowed four earned runs and seven hits (three HRs) in eight innings while striking out eight.
Feldman, who signed a $2.3 million free agent deal in January, started five games last year and pitched in relief in 35, going 7-4 with a 3.97 ERA.
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