Tony Cingrani Adds Lefthanded Pitching Depth to Reds

Dusty Baker told reporters before the game that the September call ups were here to help the team, not to get a look for the future.

In spite of a 9-1/2 game lead with just 27 games to play, Baker is not taking anything for granted.

"I think everybody is getting ahead of themselves," Baker said. "The playoffs are a month away.  We have to keep playing hard."

Still the Reds had an infusion of young talent in the clubhouse this morning, Didi Gregorius, Henry Rodriguez and Denis Phipps were among the early arrivals Monday morning.

"This is different than last year," Baker said, referring to last season when he played Yonder Alonso to see what he could and could not do for the team.  "The kids are here to help us. They're here to pinch hit, pinch run and spot start. They are here as reinforcements."

Tony Cingrani is being recalled from Double A Pensacola on Tuesday.  He was the Reds third pick for the Reds in the 2011 draft.  He is a lefthanded starting pitcher.

Cingrani started the season at High A Bakersfield where he won five games and lost one with a 1.11 ERA in 10 starts, covering 56-2/3 innings.  The 23-year old out of Rice University in Houston was promoted to Pensacola.  He fashioned a 5-3 record there with a 2.12 ERA in 15 starts, covering 89-1/3 innings.  His strikeout to walk ratio was better than 3-1 (172 strikeouts, 52 walks).

Baker has talked to people about him and how he could help the Reds down the stretch.

"The reports are good," Baker said. "I've talked to some people in Texas, who have seen him. They are high on him.  He has a good arm.  We only saw him once in spring training.  We need another lefthander in the bullpen.  (Sean) Marshall is the only one besides (Aroldis) Chapman but he's the closer."

Cingrani is getting his chance because it appears that Bill Bray will not be back.

"It doesn't look good for Bray," Baker said.  "We're running out of places for him to pitch."

The minor league season will end today.