Cincinnati Reds: Who’s in the starting rotation this coming week?

Homer Bailey takes the mound today for the Cincinnati Reds, but the remaining starters for the rest of the week are unknown. Are the Reds returning to a normal five-man rotation?

Homer Bailey will take the mound this afternoon when the Cincinnati Reds try to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. The Reds are off on Monday and return to Great American Ball Park to play the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. But who will be in the starting rotation going forward? Let’s see if we can figure it out.

With Bailey starting today, along with his hefty salary, I think it’s safe to say that regardless of what he does on the mound against the Cubbies, Bailey will remain in the starting rotation. Bailey has struggled mightily, however, going 1-11 on the season with a 6.21 ERA. Believe it or not, this hasn’t been Bailey’s worst season.

Last season, even though Bailey won more games, his ERA in 18 starts was 6.43, he had 67 strikeouts and 42 walks. Fast forward to this season, and through 17 games, Bailey’s already struck out 64 batters and has only walked 30. He has, however, allowed more home runs this season. Opposing hitters have taken Bailey deep 20 times this season, opposed to the 11 homers he gave up last year.

More from Blog Red Machine

Luis Castillo had a forgettable performance yesterday in the Windy City. Castillo allowed two home runs and was pulled after 3.1 innings against the Cubs. Castillo is 1-6 this season in games in which he allows multiple home runs.

Castillo has been a strikeout machine. Castillo has struck out 6 more batters in 11 of his 26 starts this season. If he’s able to keep the ball down, his chances of success are much higher. If that ball gets up in the zone, however, hitters have proven that they can have a field day regardless of what his velocity is. Still, Castillo seems like a safe bet to remain in the rotation.

Anthony DeSclafani may be the best pitcher currently on the Reds staff. Outside of Friday’s start against the Cubs, Disco has been dealing in the month of August. He’s 2-0 with a 0.83 ERA. He struck out 16 batters and only walked 2. His spot is all but secure and may be the No. 1 pitcher on the Reds staff heading into the offseason.

Matt Harvey, whom the Reds held onto after he was claimed by the Brewers, is another lock for the rotation going forward. Harvey has pitched well of late, and there’s no way the Reds would’ve kept him if they didn’t intend to start him. Look for Harvey to get the ball for Thursday’s day game against Milwaukee.

That leaves us with Sal Romano and Robert Stephenson. Romano came into yesterday’s game as a reliever, so that gives us some insight into the Reds’ plans. Yesterday’s 1.1 inning outing from Romano was his third relief appearance of the season.

The Cincinnati Reds may want to see what the young right-hander gives them out of the bullpen. Or, this could just be the reality of giving Romano some rest. He’s pitched 131.1 innings thus far in his rookie season. The Reds may not want to push him as the season draws to a close.

Given what we know, Stephenson may be the guy. The Reds have made it clear that they want to see what they have in him, and the only way to do that is to put him out there. Granted, Stephenson hasn’t looked great this season in his three starts, however, his last time out was better than his previous two.

Next. Herrera hasn't capitalized on his opportunity...yet

If Stephenson is going to get the ball, it’ll likely come Tuesday against Milwaukee, so Reds fans will find out very quickly what the plans are. Regardless of who’s in the starting lineup, the Reds will have the opportunity in just a few days to call up some fresh arms from the minors. Wearing out the bullpen will no longer be a concern, but the six-man rotation has worn out its welcome.

Home/Reds News