From today’s Enquirer:
Reds closer Ryan Madson probably is not going to pitch in a minor league game today as planned.
The Reds aren’t saying much about it.
“We’re sorting it out,†Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. “We’ll let you know.â€Â
Madson has not pitched in a game this spring after coming down with a sore elbow early in camp.
The progressed nicely after taking some time off. He faced four batters in a simulated game on Tuesday and looked good according to all reports.
“I don’t know what I can say,†Madson said. “I don’t like to be like that, but . . . â€Â
This is NOT what you want to read less than 2 weeks before Opening Day.
The article goes on to state that if Madson isn’t ready, Sean Marshall would likely close…and you know what that probably means: Aroldis Chapman starts the year in the Reds bullpen.
Now, I have no problem with Marshall filling the closer slot; in fact, we discussed this when he came over from the Cubs, before the Reds signed Madson.
Plus, if it was just until Madson was healthy, I really wouldn’t have a problem with Chapman having a short stint in the bullpen during that time, as long as when Madson is activated, he goes to AAA to start. It keeps his year-long innings total down and maybe makes him available to start for Cincinnati down the stretch, if he has success in AAA.