The Cincinnati Reds' rotation already includes multiple question marks, and that was before it was revealed Monday that Anthony DeSclafani will begin the season on the disabled list.
DeSclafani was diagnosed with an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his right elbow, and he will be shut down for up to four weeks. In a best-case scenario, the 26-year-old right-hander could make his season debut by mid-May, reports Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
DeSclafani had a 3.28 ERA last season, easily the best among Reds' starters.
With Homer Bailey already sidelined for a few months, the only two starters locked into rotation spots are Brandon Finnegan and Scott Feldman.
With less then three weeks to go before Opening Day, there appears to be no clear favorites for the remaining spots. Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports the prospects still in the mix include Amir Garrett, Cody Reed, Robert Stephenson, Sal Romano, Luis Castillo and Rookie Davis.
DeSclafani's setback could provide an opportunity for 40-year-old Bronson Arroyo, who has not pitched in the majors since 2014 due to elbow and shoulder injuries. Arroyo looked impressive in his Cactus League debut on Sunday, pitching two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.
There also is Tim Adleman, who had a 4.00 ERA in 13 starts last season.
General manager Dick Williams told reporters that the Reds have not ruled out the possibility of looking outside the organization. Colby Lewis and Doug Fister remain on the free-agent market, and their price could drop further as we move closer to April.
- Doug Mittler
