The Reds made it official on Thursday that Saturday’s starter vs. the Indians will be Homer Bailey, who will be recalled again from Triple-A Louisville.
Based on the timing and his recent performances, it really couldn’t have been anyone else.
Not only was Bailey’s next turn for Louisville to be Saturday, he’s been its hottest starter. The 23-year-old is 4-0 with a 0.47 ERA in his last five starts, with three of them lasting at least eight innings.
Over his last 38 1/3 innings, Bailey has allowed just one run with seven walks and 38 strikeouts.
In 14 starts overall for Louisville, Bailey is 8-5 with a 2.71 ERA.
This is Bailey’s chance, and I know we’re all hoping that he grabs the brass ring. He has been nothing short of outstanding in AAA, but at some point, Homer is going to have to make that translate into performing in the majors.
If he can justify staying in the big leagues, he’ll have a month or so to prove himself, with Edinson Volquez’s return not imminent.
In a related story, has it become mandatory that the Reds call Bailey up every time they play Cleveland? Has Homer pitched against any other team in his previous stints with the Reds?