Cingrani not an option to start

MLB.com/blogs Blocked Unblock Follow Following Apr 28, 2015

By Mark Sheldon

As you will see on reds.com/MLB.com, Michael Lorenzen will be called up from Triple-A Louisville to start Wednesday vs. the Brewers in his big league debut. Mike Leake will pitch on Thursday.

One name that is not an option to start for the club is someone who was in the mix during Spring Training: Tony Cingrani. The left-hander will remain in the bullpen for the time being.

“It would almost seem like it would require us sending him to the Minor Leagues to get stretched out,” manager Bryan Price said. “I made the decision — I was involved, a big supporter of putting him in the bullpen — not because that’s what we needed for this club at the time. What I felt was it was where he was best suited coming off a year of a lot of injury and shoulder concerns and the limited development of his off-speed pitches. It just seemed like for him to be able to come in there and maybe cut his mix of pitches to two and come in and be that … it just seemed to fit his nature — very, very aggressive, doesn’t really back off and feel his way through six to nine innings. He goes as hard as he can, as long as he can. I think his temperament is suited better — at this point in time — as a relief pitcher. Some day he may prove me wrong and be a great starting pitcher. I wouldn’t say that’s an impossible thing to have happen.”