Cincinnati Reds’ Homer Bailey resurrects his career

Homer Bailey’s career was at a crossroads with the Cincinnati Reds before his last two starts.

The Homer Bailey experience took another turn for the Cincinnati Reds just before the All-Star break.  He went from down to potentially his last start to back to something resembling his normal self.  The Reds may not be able to rely on Bailey, but at least they can keep him in the rotation for another month or more.

Bailey didn’t throw an MLB pitch from August 28, 2016 until June 24, 2017.  In all of 2016 he only made six starts going 23 innings.  He ended last season with a WHIP of 1.83 and an ERA of 6.65.

His first time out this year, Bailey allowed an amazing 8 earned runs in just 1 2/3 innings of work.  He walked three and gave up six hits.  He also needed 61 pitches, of which 34 were strikes, to get through the start.

Bailey’s second time out wasn’t much better.  He went three innings, allowing three runs on six hits.  That actually lowered his ERA from his first start.

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In start number two Bailey had the same number of strikeouts at two,  but only walked two including one intentionally.  He also went ten pitches deeper into the game, totaling 71.

For his third start for the Cincinnati Reds this season Homer Bailey pitched well enough to win.

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The first two starts made everyone question how long Bailey could stay in the rotation, before he rebounded by throwing two quality starts in a row!  He only threw only quality start during his comeback attempt in 2016.  This was a huge step forward for the Reds’ top paid pitcher, whose signing was lauded at the time.

On the Fourth of July in Colorado against the Rockies Bailey went six innings, allowing a single run.  He surrendered eight hits, but walked no one.  He also pitched an impressive 99 pitches while striking out three.

Then on his next turn in the rotation Bailey held the Arizona Diamondbacks to just one run over 6 2/3 innings at their ballpark outside of Phoenix.  He walked four while surrendering seven hits.  He continued to get out of trouble, however, in large part thanks so a season high five strikeouts.

That equates to Bailey averaging 4 1/3 innings per start, allowing 4 runs.  That leaves him with an ERA just under 9.00 and a WHIP over 2.00.  Those are not good enough to keep him going.

Next: Luis Castillo continues to impress

Hopefully, the last two starts are indicative of what Bailey will be for the rest of the season.  They are not ace numbers, but they are darn good.  More importantly, they are good enough to keep the bullpen from falling apart as Bailey returns to the no-hit pitcher he can be.