Hurtin Reds Limp Home To Face Pittsburgh Pirates

 

 

 

There is no way to sugar coat it.  The Cincinnati Reds are a massive mess right now.  The Reds open a four-game series with Pittsburgh with 11 players on the current injured list.  They are physically beat up but also mentally hurting from losing 20 of its last 21 games.

On a positive note, the Reds get one starter back.  Tyler Naquin comes off the injured list and will be the designated hitter and leading off.

"He's healthy.  He's all good," David Bell said.

Ronnie Dawson was optioned back to Louisville.

The Reds need an extra starter for a Saturday double header and do not yet know who it is.  The Reds obtained the services of RHP Robert Dugger on waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.  He is active on Friday.

Dugger turned 27 on Wednesday.  He started eight games for the Marlins in 2019 and 2020 with an 0-4 record and a 7.40 ERA.

The starter for the second game on Saturday will be determined by how the game goes on Friday and the first game on Saturday afternoon.  The Reds and Pirates will make up one of the games from the canceled first week on the season at 6:40 PM on Saturday.

Dugger is one of the options to start the second game.

"He is built up," Bell said.  'His last outing was, I believe on Sunday, so as of tonight he will be on normal rest. He went five or five plus.  We picked him up because we like him as a pitcher and we have a lot of games.  It will be nice to have those innings, either as a starter or reliever."

The Reds designated Buck Farmer for assignment to make room for Dugger.

The Reds are allowed a 27th man for a double header.

In other news shortstop Jose Barrero has had a set back with soreness while rehabbing his surgically repaired thumb.  "It wasn't a bad one, the update I got is that he's totally back to where he left off.  They got the inflamation out," Bell said.

Mike Minor faced hitters in Dayton.

"He will pitch in a game next Tuesday.  I don't know where it will be,"  Bell said.

Donovan Solono had an injection of PRP.  He is still experiencing soreness and is not ready to start baseball activity yet.