Anthony DeSclafani Likely To Start The Season On The DL

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Anthony DeSclafani had another setback after his bullpen session. DeSclafani was scheduled to start on Monday against Oakland but now there is doubt about him being ready by Opening Day.

DeSclafani had soreness in his right elbow after throwing live batting practice on February 23rd.

“He had stiffness and recurring soreness after throwing a bullpen on Friday,” Bryan Price said. “We thought we had gotten over the hump but after doing his throwing program the soreness returned. I would think that would compromise his chances of breaking the season with the club.”

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DeSclafani is heading back to Cincinnati now to have an MRI and be examined.  The Reds will know more tomorrow morning and plan form there.

“Let’s find out what we’re dealing with on Desco," general manger Dick Williams said. "We’ll have a better idea after the doctors examine him.  We’ll have a better idea of whether this is a minor or major setback. The good thing is we have a lot of arms here in camp, a lot of young guys.  We intended to give them an opportunity.  Sometimes things like this happen and create more opportunity  I’m hopeful the situation with Desco is a minor setback.”

DeSclafani led the Reds with 31 starts in his rookie season in 2015.  A strained left oblique last season prevented the 26-year old from joining the Reds until June 9 last season.

DeSclafani returned to make 20 starts. He was 9-5 with a 3.28 ERA when he returned.

With Homer Bailey out until at least June, the Reds could start the season with as many as three rookie starters.  Bronson Arroyo, who is making his first Cactus League start on Sunday could fill the void, if he proves he is healthy after missing 2 1/2 years.

The Reds are alwo looking at the free agent market and the waiver wire.

We are always very opportunistic," Williams said.. "Whether its the free agent market, whether its the waiver wire. We’re always looking trying to build depth and make contingency plans and trying to be aggressive there.”

There was a difference with how DeSclafanit felt that caused more concern.

“The exam they gave him today," Williams said., "He felt a little different than he did previously.  There was more cause for concern. Everything up until now hasn’t risen to the level of an MRI.  They want to go to that now, so they can rule out what they can rule out.  The ultrasound he had today, looked very similar to the one he had before.”