Finnegan hurt in first game back from DL
ST. LOUIS — The Cincinnati Reds returned to Busch Stadium on Monday to make up a game that was rained out in April. After an 8-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals that included an injury to starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan, they probably wish they’d never come back.
Randal Grichuk homered for the second straight game and Jedd Gyorko had two hits, including a homer, and three RBI for the Cardinals.
Finnegan was activated from the 60-day disabled list and made his first start after missing more than two months with a strained muscle in his back. He lasted three innings before getting hurt again. The Reds said he had a left triceps strain.
“We’ll see what the doctors say. We’re not going to jump to conclusions,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “But usually when you have to remove a pitcher from a game due to injury, especially when it’s an armrelated injury, you’re not optimistic they’re going to make their next start.”
Finnegan (1-1) gave up three runs in the first while struggling with his command, but calmed down to throw two more scoreless innings. He hurt something on his fourth pitch of the fourth, prompting a visit from head athletic trainer Steve Baumann. After a brief discussion, Finnegan walked to the dugout.
He allowed three hits and four walks overall.
The Reds turned to Austin Brice to relieve Finnegan and the rookie right-hander was battered for five runs on nine hits in two innings.
St. Louis gave starter Michael Wacha (4-3) more than enough support. Wacha, who began the day with an 8.17 ERA over his past seven starts, limited the Reds to one run on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked one.
The Reds optioned right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla to triple-A Louisville to make room for Finnegan.
The Cardinals called up pitcher Mike Mayers, a right-hander from Grove City, but he did not pitch Monday.