Cincinnati Reds change rotation plans based on September appearances

With none of the original 2017 Cincinnati Reds starting rotation members starting down the stretch, all of the plans have changed.

The Cincinnati Reds thought they had their pitching situation all planned out at this time last year.  They had a core of Anthony DeSclafani, Brandon Finnegan, and Dan Straily.  Homer Bailey was recovering, as always, while Robert Stephenson and Cody Reed appeared on track to start 2017 in the rotation.

Fast forward a year.  Now, none of those pitchers are a certainty for next year’s rotation.  Stephenson and Bailey are both getting every chance to get back into the conversation.

Of the five players mentioned above that are still with the team only two are assured of getting a chance to start next year if healthy.  Based on what they did last year, the duo of Anthony DeSclafani and Brandon Finnegan will start early in 2018 if they are healthy.  DeSclafani has been injured all year and Finnegan injured himself early in 2017,

Bailey and Stephenson are trying to make a statement this season.  Bailey is a conundrum.  He looks awful more times than not, but the team isn’t sure that he can become a reliever.

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Stephenson’s issue at the big league level is the same as always, consistency.  His inconsistency cost him his spot in the rotation to start this season and may cost him again.  His inconsistency in the bullpen cost him a chance to stay in Cincinnati earlier in the season.

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The Cincinnati Reds have a laundry list of young pitchers to fill the last two or three rotation spots.

The first pitcher to discuss is Luis Castillo.  He has a large lead for a spot in the 2018 rotation and even the Opening Day start.  Right now the rookie, who came over in the Dan Straily deal, is the team’s ace.

The next pitcher that the Reds have to decide about is the top pitching prospect, Tyler Mahle.  He appears close to ready to stay.

With an off-season prepping for an MLB season, he may be ready for a backend spot in the rotation.

The other young pitcher that is making the most of September is Sal Romano.  He has established himself as a potential workhorse.  He has no trouble throwing 100 pitches per start.

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So the Reds have three pitchers in their current rotation, two pitchers out for the year and several other pitchers that all want a spot in the rotation next season.  The Reds need health and time to figure who belongs where.  Hopefully, it will result in a better rotation than in recent years.