Bauer scratched for season finale; Mahle tabbed

PITTSBURGH -- It turns out that Reds pitcher Tyler Mahle hasn’t worked his last game of 2019 after all. Mahle was named as Cincinnati’s fill-in starter for Sunday’s season finale against the Pirates at PNC Park because Trevor Bauer is sick.

Bauer was originally slated to pitch against Pittsburgh on Saturday, but he hasn’t felt well for a few days. On Thursday, manager David Bell moved him back an additional day, but his health didn’t improve enough.

The Pirates will counter with right-hander Trevor Williams for the finale, which can be seen live on MLB.TV at 3:05 p.m. ET.

In 34 starts and a career-high 213 innings combined with the Reds and Indians, Bauer’s season ended with an 11-13 record and a 4.48 ERA. He was acquired in a July 31 three-team trade that sent right fielder Yasiel Puig to Cleveland.

Mahle will be pitching on short rest, but he lasted only 2 1/3 innings and 72 pitches during Wednesday’s 9-2 loss to the Brewers. He gave up eight runs (seven earned), including three home runs.

In his 24 starts this season, Mahle is 2-12 with a 5.34 ERA. For his career vs. Pittsburgh, he is 0-3 with a 4.61 ERA in five starts. The Reds went 0-5 in those games.