Paul Maholm Competes For Bullpen, Raisel Iglesias Competes To Start

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Manager Bryan Price is systematically moving to fill the Reds' starting rotation.

On Tuesday, Tony Cingrani was told that he will pitch out of the bullpen.

On Wednesday veteran Paul Maholm was told the same thing.

The starting five appears to be Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, who has not allowed a run in nine innings this spring, Homer Baily, Anthony DeSclafani and either Jason Marquis or Raisel Iglesias.

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Homer Bailey will likely miss one or two starts.  His second round of live batting practice was scratched on Tuesday because Bailey has the traveling stomach virus.  A decision will be made soon if Bailey will throw another live batting practice or pitch against Oakland on the 22nd.

Marquis is starting against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

"We have started to make decisions," Price said. "We told Paul Maholm that he is competing for a spot in the bullpen. We have a good idea where we are headed."

Iglesias, who signed for $27 million out of Cuba, was a relief pitcher on the island but four solid pitches makes him a candidate to start games.

"He has command of four pitches. He is quick to the plate. He is athletic," Price said. "He hasn't logged a bunch of innings but we know that he can pitch out of the bullpen."

Based on that statement, it is logical that Iglesias will be the starter in place of Bailey early, then move to the bullpen.

Price said earlier in spring that he wants to find someone to fill the role that Alfredo Simon did before he was placed in the starting rotation.  Price would like to have a pitcher who can pitch multiple innings in case of an early exit by the starter or extra innings.

Iglesias is suited for that role if the Reds can stretch him out.

Price also said that it didn't make sense for veterans like Marquis and Maholm to be temporary starters.

That indicates that Marquis has earned one of the spots because Price would rather not fill one of the rotation spots with two younger pitchers.

DeSclafani is the young starter that will break into the rotation barring injuries or severe ineffectiveness in the remaining Cactus League games.

"DeSclafani hasn't given us a reason to take him out of the mix," Price said.

Iglesias was signed because the scouts felt that he could help the Reds out of the bullpen immediately.

When Price saw him throw, he recognized that he already has a Major League change up.

"It is hard and dangerous to teach a change up at the Major League level," Price said. "When we got him we saw that he could be a starter. I don't know how many innings he pitched. They play an 11-month season (in Cuba). It's difficult to know how many innings they pitch with scrimmages and in-camp games. It is difficult to know but we can put him in the bullpen if we need to."