CINCINNATI – The Reds' season will open with a question, but it’s not “Who’s on first?” It’s “Who can pitch?”
The Reds put five pitchers on the disabled list Thursday, including starters Anthony DeSclafani and Brandon Finnegan, and placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the paternity list.
The club called up Cody Reed from Louisville and named him the fifth starter. That move became necessary when Opening Day was postponed to Friday.
DeSclafani (left oblique strain) went on the 60-day disabled list, sidelining him at least into late May.
Finnegan (left biceps strain) went on the 10-day DL.
Iglesias will miss the opening weekend on three-days' leave. That leaves Wandy Peralta as the probable closer if needed.
Three relievers also went on the 10-day DL: David Hernandez (right shoulder inflammation), Michael Lorenzen (right shoulder strain) and Kevin Shackelford (right forearm strain).
The Reds restocked the bullpen by calling up Jackson Stephens from Louisville. They added Kevin Quackenbush on Wednesday.
Reed will start against the Cubs on Tuesday. Homer Bailey, the Opening Day starter, was slotted for Tuesday on four days' rest until the schedule changed. The Reds hadn't anticipated needing a fifth starter until April 9.
Here's the rotation the Reds announced Thursday:
- Fri. vs. WSH: RHP Homer Bailey
- Sat. vs. WSH: RHP Luis Castillo
- Sun. vs. WSH: RHP Sal Romano
- Mon. vs. CHC: RHP Tyler Mahle
- Tue. vs. CHC: LHP Cody Reed
If Reed pitches well and Finnegan is slow to recover, Reed could take Finnegan's place indefinitely.
It’s the second straight year DeSclafani will begin with an extended period on the DL. He was shut down two weeks ago.
The Reds also selected the contract of IF/OF Cliff Pennington, adding him to the Opening Day roster.
Here's the Reds roster, according to Reds.com:
Starting Eight: C Tucker Barnhart, 1B Joey Votto, 2B Scooter Gennett, SS Jose Peraza, 3B Eugenio Suarez, LF Adam Duvall, CF Billy Hamilton and RF Scott Schebler.
Starting Pitchers: Homer Bailey, Luis Castillo, Sal Romano, Tyler Mahle, Cody Reed
Bullpen: Jared Hughes, Wandy Peralta, Amir Garrett, Austin Brice, Kevin Quackenbush, Zack Weiss, Jackson Stephens
Bench: OF Jesse Winker, C Devin Mesoraco, OF Philip Irvin, IF/OF Cliff Pennington, INF Phil Gosselin.
