Dateline: Cincinnati
Hunter Greene’s return had a ripple effect on the Reds pitching plans
Chase Petty will go to Louisville to go through a program to convert to a relief pitcher.
Manager Terry Francona needs bullpen help now with injuries that have mounted in the pen. He thinks Petty can help this season. He didn't rule out that Petty could still become a starter.
"We think he can help us but he has to be able to pitch in back-to-back games," Francona said. "We are going to put him on a program. We had to see if (Julien) Aguiar was healthy."
Aguiar is coming off a year of rehab after surgery.
"(Jose) Franco is being stretched out," Francona said.
With Greene returning someone had to leave the starting rotation. That is where Rhett Lowder, also back from a year of rehab will go to the bullpen.
"He was kind of excited about it," Francona said.
Of course pitching in a major league bullpen is better than starting in the minor leagues.
"We knew that someone was being moved when Hunter got back," Lowder said. "Tito came to me and I said I will do whatever you want."
Lowder was forced into action against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday night. He pitched three scoreless innings after Greene was knocked out of the box in 3 1/3 innings.
"It was uncomfortable," Francona said. "He was on short rest. He was outstanding I will say that."
Lowder pitched three scoreless innings with two hits and three walks, one of which was intentional.
The move to the bullpen is temporary. The Reds still consider Lowder a top prospect for the starting rotation.
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