The Cincy/Louisville Express Keeps on Rolling

I am amazed how many players are switching teams these days. It seems like every other day, the Reds are adjusting their roster.

As of today, our candidate is Mike Leake. The Reds placed him on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder/arm fatigue. And, there is a good chance they will shut him down for the rest of the year. The good news in this is that Mike Leake was in the dugout tonight. If I were him, I would stick right next to the Reds Pitching Coach Bryan Price. I would learn as much as I could about the opposing hitters and our staff. I hope that he isn’t shut down the rest of the year and comes back in two weeks. I hope he regain his early season form.

On June 5th, Mike Leake was 5-0 and had an ERA of 2.25. In his next 13 appearances, 11 starts, he went 3-4 with a 6.47 ERA. He has pitched 138 innings so far this season but has never pitched over 120 innings in any season. So, I am sure his shoulder is fatigued. The Reds moved him to the bullpen to save some innings and keep him up on the big league club.

The surprising thing is that the Reds recalled 3b Juan Francisco. I and most of the other Reds fans were waitng to hear the Cuban Missile’s name called. The Cuban Missile is obviously Aroldis Chapman. Francisco will mainly be used as a pinch hitter. Brandon Phillips is out with his bruised hand so the Reds needed another infielder.

The Reds also failed to trade Micah Owings so, he re-signed with the Louisville Bats. The Reds had designated him for assignment on Tuesday but he drew little or no interest. I am kind of glad he is back down in Louisville. Just due to the fact that our bullpen has been less than good lately.

Now some good news, Brandon Phillips’ second x-ray came back negative as well. The swelling is subsiding a little and he is expected to play on Saturday. All though, Chris Valaika, who started in his place Friday night had a memorable night. He hit his first career homer and also doubled in the Reds 7-1 win. So, another day off for BP may be in order.

Also, Orlando Cabrera is expected to be activated on Monday. He could have played this weekend but the Reds will err on the side of caution. He is still experiencing some pain on his left side when he throws. Apparently, swinging a bat isn’t causing him any irritation. He has been out since early August with a strained oblique muscle.

And last but not least, Aaron Harang is back to being 100%. He has not been pitching well down at Louisville but he should be activated early next week as well. I am not sure where he fits in. With Edinson Volquez’ recent struggles, either Harang or Edinson will be headed to the bullpen.