I-71 Is The Key For Reds' Bullpen Survival

Amir  Garrett is serving the sixth game of his eight-game suspension.  The Reds are prohibited from filling the roster spot as part of the penalty for Garrett charging the Pittsburgh Pirates dugout.

Matt Bowman pitched almost two innings in the Reds' 13-4 loss to the Cardinals on Friday night.  hE would not be available to pitch on Saturday.  The Reds solved the problem by sending Bowman to Louisville and bringing RHP R.J. Alaniz from Louisville.   That may be a pattern until Garrett returns. If any pitcher other than Lorenzen, who is also being used as a position player, gets too many innings to pitch the next day.  Louisville is an hour and a half away down I-71.  The Reds will use that highway to effectively expand their roster.

 Alaniz is a 28-years old native of McAllen, Texas.  He pitched in four games this season, allowing nine runs in four innings.  The Reds picked him up on waivers on May 31.

"I haven't seen him but reports say he has a good arm and was pitching well at Louisville," David Bell said.  "We picked him up because of his arm.  We are hoping that he is a late bloomer.  The bullpen situation created an opportunity to see him pitch at this level."

The Reds are going to start the game without Jesse Winker, Joey Votto and Eugenio Suarez.  The former two have aching backs.  Winker may be available off the bench.   Votto is getting more time.

"If he is a out another day or two, we will put him on the Injured List," Said Bell.  The Reds can back date the list until Monday, meaning he could come back sooner than the 10 days required.

Suarez jammed the thumb on his left thumb on Friday.  He will be out just one or two days.  Jose Peraza will play third base. Josh VanMeter will sub for Votto at first base.  Philip Ervin is getting to see right-handed pitching in Winker's absence.