Mat Latos Close To Pitching In A Game

Mat Latos is behind for sure.

A real candidate to start on opening day for the Reds, he may be pushed back until April 6 against the New York Mets.

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Latos threw a long bullpen in which he threw breaking pitches for the first time since elbow surgery on October 11.  He tweaked his left knee throwing long toss the day before pitchers and catchers were due in camp.  He had his meniscus repaired the next day.

In his latest bullpen, Latos threw 40 - 45 pitches.

"The next step in the protocol is for him to pitch live batting practice," manager Bryan Price said. "If he comes through that okay his next step is to pitch in games.  He was able to keep his arm in shape even with the knee."