Reds' brutal schedule, untimely injuries may thrust unprepared prospect into rotation

The Cincinnati Reds dropped their series to the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend in brutal fashion. Trying to secure a series-split, closer Alexis Díaz allowed a two-run walk-off homer to former Reds prospect Yasmani Grandal in the bottom of the ninth inning, and the Buccos took 3-of-4 from the Redlegs and now sit just a half-game back of Cincinnati in the standings.

But things are only going to get more difficult for David Bell's squad as Cincinnati enters a brutal stretch over the next two weeks. While the rebuilding Oakland Athletics should pose little threat to the Reds, Cincinnati has two first-place teams on the schedule following their visit from the A's.

The Reds have a three-game visit from Oakland before entertaining the Milwaukee Brewers. Cincinnati will play four games in three days against the Brew Crew with a doubleheader on Friday night at Great American Ball Park. The Reds then turn around and play three more against the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

Reds' brutal schedule, untimely injuries may thrust Connor Phillips into rotation

The Reds will play 10 games in 10 days with an off day following the holiday next week, but Cincinnati's schedule, coupled with the rash of injuries to the team's starting rotation, may force Connor Phillips onto the mound this Wednesday against the A's.

With Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, Christian Roa, and Brandon Williamson all on the injured list, the Reds have very few options remaining. Right-hander Lyon Richardson is on the seven-day IL down at Triple-A, making Phillips one of the few healthy arms available.

Nick Lodolo toed the rubber on Thursday, and with the off day on Monday, should be able to start Tuesday's series opener against Oakland on normal rest. Julian Aguiar will likely draw his third start of the season during Thursday's series finale against the A's, but after both Nick Martinez and Carson Spiers pitched on Sunday, the Reds don't have anyone on the active roster who'll be in line to pitch Wednesday night at GABP.

With the impending stretch, including a Friday's doubleheader, going with an opener on Wednesday and turning the game over to the bullpen after one or two innings seems like a horrible strategy. Phillips last pitched for the Louisville Bats on Wednesday, meaning that he'd be in line to start.

Reds prospect Connor Phillips has struggled with walks all season

The right-hander has struggled to find the strike zone all season in the minor leagues, and things got so bad, that Cincinnati sent Phillips to their training complex in Arizona to get back on track. His first start after a trip to the desert did not go well. Phillips went into the third inning, but was pulled before recording an out and finished the game allowing one run on three hits while walking four batters.

But the Reds may have little choice. The Reds could select the contract of Justus Sheffield from Triple-A Louisville. The former first-round pick came on in relief of Phillips during his game last Wednesday. But Sheffield is not part of the Reds 40-man roster, meaning a corresponding move would have to be made.

There are no good options for the Reds this week, as both the number of untimely injuries and the upcoming schedule are not in their favor.

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