Cincinnati Reds’ Anthony DeSclafani inches towards return

The Cincinnati Reds have been without one of their best pitchers over the past two seasons, Anthony DeSclafani.

The Cincinnati Reds have patiently waited as DeSclafani rehabilitated from injury.  This is the second season in a row that he missed the beginning of the season due to injury.  Now DeSclafani is finally getting close to pitching in the big leagues again.

DeSclafani has made a pair of minor league starts over the past few weeks.  In his first outing DeSclafani pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing 3 hits and walking a batter.  He also recorded three strikeouts among the seven outs.

In his second start DeSclafani went four innings, striking out six.  He only allowed two hits and no runs.  DeSclafani looked like a major leaguer pitching in A-ball.

Last season, DeSclafani needed five starts covering 22 innings to be ready to pitch at the big league level.  He had 19 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP.  He did allow a surprisingly high 4.50 ERA.

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DeSclafani made three starts for Louisville where he looked a little shaky.  He had an ERA of 5.54 and he allowed 4 home runs in 13 innings.  DeSclafani would fit right in this year’s rotation with numbers like that.

In his single start in A-ball last year, he looked like he did in his last start this year.  Last year in Dayton, he struck out three over five innings, allowing three hits.  DeSclafani only walked 2 in all 22 rehab innings last year.

Anthony DeSclafani is on pace to pitch a few games in Louisville before returning to the rotation for the Cincinnati Reds.

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After his return from his rehab stint last season, DeSclafani was in mid-season form.  His first start he went 6 innings allowing only a single run.  In June DeSclafani went 2-0 in four starts with an ERA of 1.52.

In July DeSclafani made six starts going 4-0 with an ERA of 3.82.  He averaged over six innings per start striking out 37 over 37 2/3 innings.  He only walked a total of six batters.

In July DeSclafani pitched just as well, but only went 2-2 despite an ERA of 3.00.

He struck out 32 in 33 innings, while walking 8. DeSclafani continued to average over six innings per start.

This is what the Reds are seeking from Luis Castillo, a pitcher that can consistently go six or more innings.  DeSclafani is inching close to getting back to Cincinnati.  His next stop should be Louisville.

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DeSclafani could be that guy.  With Homer Bailey beginning to look like a six inning, .500 pitcher the rotation is stabilizing.  TIm Adleman has tried to hold down the fort while the aces faced their injuries.  DeSclafani’s return could propel the Reds into the right direction for 2018.