Reds’ Gray will start Friday or Saturday
A major piece of the Cincinnati Reds' rotation will return this weekend.
Sonny Gray will make his season debut Friday or Saturday when the Reds play Cleveland at Great American Ball Park, manager David Bell confirmed.
Gray was expected to rejoin the rotation after his latest simulated game went well last weekend in Arizona. He should be built up in the 70-80 pitch range for his first start.
The Reds haven't finalized a day for Gray's first start because they haven't determined how they will shuffle their rotation and bullpen. It's possible he could take José De León's spot in the rotation, but then the Reds have to decide whether to move De León or another starter to the bullpen or keep him as a starter while optioning him to the triple-a alternate site in Louisville.
“We have some good options,” Bell said. “We'll make a decision when the time comes. The good news is Sonny is ready to go. We'll have to get him back into the rotation. He's important to our rotation and our team.”
Gray was limited to one Cactus League start this spring because of back spasms. He entered the season on the 10-day injured list because of mid-back muscle soreness.
Antone's role
Tejay Antone was dominant out of the bullpen in Monday's 3-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants. He pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings, permitting two baserunners (a walk and hit batsman) while striking out five.
He won't be available to pitch again until Friday at the earliest because it was his longest relief appearance of the season and he threw 60 pitches.
Do the Reds envision him as a reliever who can piggyback a starter in a close game?
“It's a really valuable role,” Bell said. “There's no question he can help us win games doing what he did last night, pitching in that role. He can win us games that way. I'm also aware that he can win us games in other roles. It's just trying to figure out where he fits best within our staff. Right now, it's the best fit.”
Antone was a starter throughout his minor-league career and he made four spot starts last season. If he keeps pitching the way he is, maybe he could force his way into the rotation at some point this season. He hasn't allowed a run in 6 2/3 innings, yielding two hits and two walks. He has nine strikeouts.