The Reds have announced that Jeff Francis has been called up to pitch the second game of today’s doubleheader against San Diego, replacing Alfredo Simon, who had previously been listed as the probable starter for the third game of the Padres series.
Manager Bryan Price said he prefers Simon to face the Phillies, and Simon has been slotted in to tomorrow night’s start in Philadelphia. On normal rest, Homer Bailey, who last pitched on Sunday against the Rockies, could have pitched in that game.
That brings us to Tony Cingrani. When Cingrani was placed on the disabled list, the earliest target date for his return was Saturday, May 17. But apparently that’s not going to happen, as the Reds have announced Bailey will start Saturday.
No starter has been announced yet for Sunday’s series finale in Philadelphia. Mike Leake could make that start on his normal rest. My guess is that Tony Cingrani will start Sunday, with Leake pitching on Monday. That’s because of yesterday’s rainout and Johnny Cueto’s next start being pushed back a day.
With the postponement yesterday, Johnny Cueto’s next start will be Tuesday, not Monday. Looming is a home weekend series (May 23-25) against the Cardinals. Here’s my best guess:
- Today (San Diego) 12:35 – Cueto
- Today (San Diego) 6:10 – Francis
- Friday (@Philly) – Simon
- Saturday (@Philly) – Bailey
- Sunday (@Philly) – Cingrani
- Monday (@Wash) – Leake
- Tuesday (@Wash) – Cueto
- Wednesday (@Wash) – Simon
- Thursday – Off-day
- Friday (Cardinals) – Bailey
- Saturday (Cardinals) – Cingrani
- Sunday (Cardinals) – Leake or Cueto