Reds starters adapting to modified workload

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Starting pitchers sometimes working the same games or pitching on short rest has been one of the many unique aspects of 2019 Reds Spring Training under new manager David Bell.

On Saturday during an 11-2 loss to the Angels, Anthony DeSclafani started with two scoreless innings. Luis Castillo followed with 1 2/3 innings, but gave up five runs. The previous time they pitched, on Wednesday vs. the White Sox, both pitchers entered from the bullpen and pitched an inning after Tanner Roark started. Roark made that start on three days' rest and is scheduled to make his third start Monday.

“It’s definitely different, for sure,” DeSclafani said. “This whole camp has been different, the way it’s structured, during games or practice. I think things will probably start taking shape like normal here soon. As long as we’re getting work in, that’s all that matters.”

Meanwhile, lefty Alex Wood hasn’t made a start in a game since Monday and isn’t scheduled to pitch any time over the next few days. Wood isn’t injured, Bell said, but is just using the time to do more work on the side.

Reliever Raisel Iglesias has yet to appear in a Cactus League game and it also isn’t for health reasons. All of the choices have been made in coordination with pitching coach Derek Johnson.

“This is something [Johnson] has done. It’s like he starts with Opening Day and works backwards,” Bell said. “Part of that plan is shorter outings, a little bit more frequent. It’s really individualized, based on the needs. Like [with] Iglesias, they had a talk and were able to allow him to do a little bit of extra work before he gets into a game.

That’s what I really like about it is we can use this time wisely. It is a little bit different than I’ve seen. [Johnson] likes it. It’s worked well for him in the past.”

Rough day for Castillo, Reed

After Castillo gave up five earned runs vs. the Angels, left-hander Cody Reed allowed six earned runs over one inning. Each pitcher surrendered a home run.

“Not their sharpest game,” Bell said. “Their stuff looked good, but they just got behind a little bit. I’m pretty sure we walked [two] guys the whole game. It’s pretty amazing [when] allowing 11 runs.”

O’Grady crashes into wall, leaves game

In the eighth inning, non-roster outfielder Brian O’Grady made a fantastic catch before he crashed hard into the left field wall. O’Grady was down for a few moments before walking off the field with Bell and head athletic trainer Steve Baumann.

“I went out there and his hat was smashed [in the bill],” Bell said. “I said, ‘did you hit your head?’ He goes, ‘Yeah I hit it. Look at my hat.’ He was trying to talk me into staying in the game. He’s a tough kid. It’s a great play.”

O’Grady was the Reds' eighth-round pick in the 2014 Draft. He was 1-for-2 on the afternoon with a leadoff homer in the sixth inning.

No game set for Gray

Reds pitcher Sonny Gray threw in his second side bullpen session on Saturday and showed no issues. Gray was scratched from his Feb. 23 start because of right elbow stiffness and hasn’t been slotted in for his first Cactus League start.

“Not just yet,” Bell said.

No lefty quota

As the Reds expect to go with an eight-man bullpen for much of the season, they already have two left-handed relievers set for spots in Amir Garrett and Zach Duke. Among the lefties in camp competing for roster spots are Wandy Peralta, Reed and Ian Krol.

Bell is open to having more than two lefties in the bullpen, but it’s not something that the club necessarily needs.

“You want to have options. You want to have a balance,” Bell said. “We want our guys to have confidence -- whether they’re right-handed or left-handed hitters -- in getting guys out. There naturally are guys who do better against one side, so we’ll factor that in in building out the entire staff.”

Up next

On Sunday at 3:05 p.m. ET, the Reds will meet the Brewers in Phoenix, airing on MLB.TV. Lucas Sims will make the start with Sal Romano, Brandon Finnegan, Peralta and Krol scheduled to appear from the bullpen.