Brady Singer talks strong outing in win over Los Angeles Angels
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brady Singer is 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA in his last five starts after six strong innings against the Los Angeles Angels.
ANAHEIM, California – Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson missed a fourth straight start Tuesday, but manager Terry Francona said Stephenson’s jammed left thumb had improved enough to catch Nick Lodolo’s side session before the team’s late game against the Angels.
“He is trending in the right direction,” Francona said. “Just not yet.”
Stephenson described hurting his thumb as a “super random” occurrence when he caught an otherwise routine pitch from Hunter Greene last week. After the ensuring off day for the team, he started the opener of the weekend Milwaukee series, and it swelled up during the game.
He hasn’t started since but has been available off the bench.
In his absence, veteran and former Gold Glove winner Jose Trevino caught every inning of back-to-back extra-inning games and the series-opening victory over the Angels three time zones away the next day.
“I don’t think the average fan realizes, you can’t just step in and catch extra-inning, extra-inning, day game, west coast trip – and he looks fine,” Francona said. “That’s because he works his ass off. That’s not an easy thing to do.”
Lodolo, who has been on the injured list the past two weeks for a finger blister, is expected to throw one more bullpen session this week before the team discusses a possible return from the IL to the rotation – possibly early next week against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Francona said.
Surgery for Reds pitcher Ian Gibaut
Right-hander Ian Gibaut, who’s been on the IL twice this season with a shoulder impingement is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery in the coming days after a latest exam with a specialist in Denver.
Gibaut, who last pitched June 28, had a 4.62 ERA in 25 relief appearances this season.
Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder to throw side in Arizona
Right-hander Rhett Lowder, who impressed in a six-start, 1.17-ERA debut last season, is scheduled to throw his next rehab bullpen session Friday in Arizona at Chase Field before the Reds open a series there.
Lowder, who opened the season on the IL as he continued to slow-play his buildup after an offseason forearm strain, suffered a significant oblique strain during a rehab game.
He is not expected to return this season, but the club would like to see him prepare to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.