Michael Lorenzen has cast more doubt about the health of the Cincinnati Reds‘ rotation. He was scratched from his last scheduled start due to elbow tenderness.
The team quickly dismissed the severity of the elbow issue. Lorenzen still has to be added to the list of Reds’ starting pitchers with spring training issues.
Starter Raisel Iglesias may be ready for spring training soon. His spring training has been delayed due to a ‘special shoulder flexibility program.’ Iglesias threw 20 pitches in a simulated game earlier this week.
John Lamb has yet to appear in spring training. The left-handed starter is recovering from offseason back surgery. He has regressed from bullpen sessions to throwing off flat ground. He remains unlikely for the start of the season.
Brandon Finnegan is now in a stronger position for a rotation spot. Finnegan has tossed three scoreless innings in spring training to date. He can boost his rotation chances with a good showing in his next scheduled start.
Anthony DeSclafani is the lone Reds’ pitcher at this point who is a rotation lock. Finnegan has made a stronger spring training case to make the rotation than Jon Moscot (7.20 ERA in five innings).
Prospects Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed could be thrown into the rotation mix. The team could opt to plug a short-term rotation hole with Tim Melville.
Keyvius Sampson started games last year for the Reds. He is vying for a bullpen spot this year. He is currently out of action with a sore triceps.
Injuries to starters and Sampson could help veteran Jonathan Sanchez make the team out of spring training as a long reliever but not a starter. Sanchez gave up five earned runs in less than two innings his last outing.
The Reds will also be without Homer Bailey to start the season. Bailey is not expected to join the Reds until mid-May.
Robb Hoff writes about the Cincinnati Reds for OutsidePitch MLB. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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