Cincinnati Reds hold Rookie Davis back after unusual start last time out

The Cincinnati Reds are holding Rookie Davis back from his next appearance after a series of unusual events.

Rookie Davis was looking to join the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation that suddenly had two holes in it following a pair of unfortunate injuries.  Then in Davis’ last start  a pair of unusual injuries happened.  First Davis hurt himself and then another player.

Davis was making his third appearance and second start of the season.  Coming into that game he had only allowed one earned run over four innings of work.  Then, Davis twisted his ankle running to second base after hitting a double and then aggravated it in the fourth inning playing defense.

After backing up home on a double by Colorado Rockies’ shortstop Trevor Story, Davis stumbled on a pitch to the Rockies’ first baseman, Ian Desmond.  Davis hit Desmond in the hand with the pitch.  Desmond will be out of the line-up until at least mid-April and likely longer.

Meanwhile, the injured ankle has slowed down Davis’ progression towards making the rotation.  He has only pitched seven innings, while several of the pitchers that he is competing with have pitched double digits in spring innings.  Amir Garrett, Brandon Finnegan, Cody Reed, Robert Stephenson, and Sal Romano have all pitched more than ten innings this spring.

Without pitching more innings for the Cincinnati Reds this spring, Rookie Davis will be left in the dust.

More from Reds News

• Reds: Signing Tyler Mahle to a contract extension should be a top priority
• Reds: Reiver Sanmartin should get first major league start vs Pirates
• Reds should unquestionably bring Wade Miley back in 2022
• Reds: TJ Friedl’s fast start will earn him opportunities in 2022
• Reds: 3 September surprises who’ve improved their 2022 roster hopes

While Davis is waiting for his ankle to be 100%, the rest of those pitchers are establishing themselves as the starting rotation.    Finnegan, Garrett, and Romano have all but earned their places.  Stephenson and Reed are fighting with free agent veteran Scott Feldman for the last spot in the rotation right now.

Because of their injuries, Davis and former Reds’ ace Bronson Arroyo are on the outside looking in.  Feldman transitioned quickly from the bullpen to the rotation.  He had to when Anthony DeSclafani initially was injured.  Now he looks like the possible opening day starter.  That is due to Arroyo coming along slowly.

Based on the recent history with DeSclafani and Homer Bailey the Reds should be careful.  Taking Davis out of consideration for the rotation isn’t a bad idea.  He looks like he could be an ace someday.  There is no reason to force the issue now.

Next: Where is Taylor Trammell?

The Reds have been somewhat snake bit recently.  Arroyo has been ill.  He was also hit by an errant throw this spring.  Davis twisting out an ankle running out a double isn’t too far off.