Press Clippings March 15, 2015

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY 1919-The Reds purchase Ray Fisher from the Yankees. Missing the 1918 season after being drafted into the Army, Fisher will go on to play two seasons for the Reds, collecting a 24-16 record, with a 2.47 ERA, 22 complete games, 6 shut outs, and 375.1 innings pitched.

MLB.COM Bailey throws first live BP, likely to open season on DL Price says righty 'looked good' in 30-pitch session By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds starting seems likely to open the season on the disabled list, but still keeps progressing well in his rehab from surgery.

On Saturday morning, Bailey faced hitters for the first time and threw 30 pitches in live batting practice against teammates Kyle Skipworth and Chris Dominguez.

"He looked good," Dominguez said after the session ended.

More importantly, Bailey felt good. He is trying to come back from a September operation that repaired a torn flexor mass tendon near his right elbow.

"It went fine," Bailey said. "There is still work to be done. It's not like we're going to go out there and throw seven innings yet. There were good points and bad."

Bailey wasn't thrilled with all of his mechanics but pleased overall. He wasn't expecting too much from the session, which is scheduled to be the first of two live BPs.

"You just go out there and throw, and pitch, and see how it reacts -- if you feel less discomfort or more discomfort. That's kind of your telltale sign right there," he said.

Bailey called the discomfort he felt "minimal."

The Reds hoped that Bailey can advance to pitching in an actual game after another live BP, but the right-hander wasn't ready to look too far ahead.

"We're going to have to see how we recover from it," Bailey said. "I will listen to the trainers and the people who are in charge of that."

Reds manager isn't counting on Bailey to begin the season on time. The rotation already had two open spots entering camp but will likely need a third starting pitcher to make the team and fill in for Bailey.

"Homer may not be ready until the middle of the month if he follows the throwing protocol that we currently have him on, although he's progressing rapidly," Price said. "We'll have [Johnny] Cueto and [Mike] Leake and we may need a fifth starter to possibly make one or two starts."

Chapman to keep working multiple innings in Hamilton, Mesoraco due back in Reds lineup Sunday vs. Royals By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- During his latest appearance for the Reds on Friday against the Dodgers, Reds Aroldis Chapman worked two innings. Chapman also pitched two innings in his previous game against the Angels on Monday.

A couple of springs ago in 2013, the Reds stretched Chapman out for longer appearances because the club considered making him a starter.

"The repetitions were what I felt really helped him get comfortable with his mechanics and get comfortable throwing that slider and changeup," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Even though we're going to limit him to one or two innings during the season, Spring Training is a great opportunity for him to connect with his mechanics and off-speed pitches.

"We figured it's not broke, let's not try to fix it. He's not going to throw four or five innings but multiple-inning outings in the spring will be something fairly commonplace for Aroldis."

Chapman allowed one run vs. the Dodgers and has allowed two hits, one walk with six in his five innings over three appearances.

Other items of note from Saturday at Reds camp:

• The Reds got right fielder Jay Bruce back in the lineup on Saturday after he missed three games with a strained right calf. Catcher Devin Mesoraco and center fielder Billy Hamilton are expected back on Sunday.

Mesoraco sustained a concussion on March 7 against the Royals when a foul tip struck his mask. Hamilton hurt his right shoulder in a wall collision vs. the Cubs on March 6.

"My understanding is everything is a go with Devin," Price said. "There is paperwork that has to be filed with MLB and the players union. They have to sign off on it. That's really the only thing we're waiting for. … Unless they don't sign off, he'll be in the lineup [Sunday]."

• Several Reds relievers have seen less action through the early portion of spring games, which was intentionally planned. With Minor League games beginning next week, more opportunities and innings will be created for the pitching staff.

"The other initial challenge for the first two weeks of games is the number of we have and the number of guys we're trying to stretch to look at as starters. You'll see the relievers back loaded as far as appearances and innings in the second part of the spring schedule," Price said.

Diaz ready to 'fight' for bullpen role after breakout '14 Reliever works with Cueto in offseason to prep for bullpen competition By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds reliever Jumbo Diaz waited more than a dozen years before finally breaking into the Major Leagues last season as a 30-year-old. In a down year for the team, especially the bullpen, Diaz emerged as a nice surprise and showed he belonged.

Diaz wants to make the club out of camp this year, but takes nothing for granted.

"I have to come in this year with the same hunger from last year," Diaz said. "They're giving me an opportunity and I will try to do my best to fight for that spot in the bullpen."

The Reds made some bullpen upgrades by adding Burke Badenhop and Kevin Gregg and have returning relievers like J.J. Hoover, Pedro Villarreal and prospect in the battle for spots. Diaz, who turned 31 on Feb. 27, is considered to be very much in the mix.

"We're counting on him," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Again, there are no freebies here. We still need guys to come in and they have to look ready to help us in Spring Training."

In 36 appearances for the Reds after his June callup from Triple-A Louisville, Diaz had a 3.38 ERA with 29 hits, 14 walks and 37 strikeouts over 34 2/3 innings. He also stranded 16 of his 19 inherited baserunners and earned a role in higher-leverage situations later in the season.

This spring, Diaz has worked in three games. In a "B" game on Thursday, he gave up his first run along with two hits. "I don't want to get comfortable," Diaz said. "There are a lot of people here competing for a spot in the bullpen. I don't want to say that I've got it."

Last spring, Diaz was a non-roster invite but impressed everyone in camp not only with his pitching but the discipline he showed in the offseason. He dropped 69 pounds as he went from 347 to 278 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame.

Heading into this season, Diaz was home in the Dominican Republic and visited the Reds academy in Boca Chica a couple of times a week to work on his pitches. He often took advice from Reds ace , who often visited the academy to help some of the younger pitchers.

"[Cueto] came to me and I said, 'What do I have to do to get better?'" Diaz said. "He said, 'You've got really good stuff, but don't be afraid to throw your fastball inside.'

"My pitches are better. I worked hard in the offseason to get better. I tried to throw my changeup and slider better and down. It's working really good right now. I can really throw my slider and changeup at any time in the count."

Diaz, who can reach the upper 90s with his fastball, is ready to accept any bullpen role he can claim.

"If they want to put me in the sixth, the seventh or any time, I am here to help the team," he said. "Whatever situation they want to put me in, I'm ready for it."

Bourgeois undergoes MRI after injuring left shoulder falls running to first, exits game By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds outfielder Jason Bourgeois left Saturday's game vs. the Rockies in the bottom of the third inning with a left shoulder injury. Bourgeois underwent a MRI exam and the club is still awaiting the results.

Following a leadoff by Eugenio Suarez against Jordan Lyles in the Cincinnati half of the third inning, Bourgeois bunted toward third base and fell to the ground as he started running to first base.

"I'd like to be able to explain exactly what happened," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "I thought he tripped and did something when he went down. I think it happened after he bunted the ball and was leaving the box."

Bourgeois laid on the ground for several moments and was tagged out by third baseman Trevor Story.

"That was going to be a bunt base ," Price said. "He actually got the bunt down and was in good shape when he was leaving the box and something happened. He wasn't in the position to tell me what happened at that time. We'll probably know more [Sunday] morning."

Bourgeois left the field with head trainer Paul Lessard to undergo tests. He is competing for a spot on the Reds bench this spring as an extra outfielder.

In eight games, Bourgeois is batting .350 (7-for-20) with one .

DeSclafani deals, Bruce goes hitless in return to lineup Reds offense quiet as pitchers rule in 1-0 loss By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com / [email protected] / @m_sheldon

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Going 2-for-3, Carlos Gonzalez had a nice game Saturday as he continued his work to return from knee surgery. But the Rockies didn't take a 1-0 win until scoring in the seventh inning on an error.

Colorado snapped a scoreless tie with a run in the top of the seventh against left-hander David Holmberg. Nick Hundley ripped a leadoff double to the center-field wall. Two batters later with one out, D.J. LeMahieu grounded to third base, Chris Dominguez bobbled the ball and then threw it into the seats behind first base for an error that scored Hundley.

In his third start as he competes for a Reds rotation spot, Anthony DeSclafani had a nice showing with four scoreless innings. DeSclafani allowed two hits and two walks and struck out three. Jay Bruce went 0-for-3 in his return to the lineup after missing three games with a strained calf.

Colorado left the bases loaded after a two-out rally that featured a and back-to-back walks. DeSclafani struck out Hundley to get out of the jam.

"I liked that I put up zeros. I didn't give up too many hits," DeSclafani said. "The defense played great. That last inning, I felt like I got ahead of the hitters but they kind of battled. They drew a walk. I want to limit those walks. I don't like walking people. I put myself in a hole but ended up working out of it. I like to see that kind of stuff in spring. I'm kind of seeing everything in spring and going through it all. I was happy with it."

Gonzalez hit a two-out ground-rule double to left field in the first inning after it was misplayed by . Hitting the ball to the opposite field pleased him.

"That was a big at-bat for me," Gonzalez said. "That was one of the things that I set on my mind before the game. Just try to hit the ball the other way and get some bat speed and hit the ball in the air. All of the contact that I made before was ground balls. The timing is going to come back the more I play, and I feel good."

Gonzalez had left knee surgery in August to repair a torn patellar tendon. He's played in four games this spring. "I feel good, better than I expected after I didn't play for, what, six months?" Gonzalez said. "You always have your doubts when coming off a long break, but I'm seeing the ball really, really well. And I'm making good contact, which is important for Spring Training."

Rockies starter Jordan Lyles countered DeSclafani with three scoreless innings and gave up one hit and two walks with two strikeouts.

"I wanted to focus more on my curveball, just tweaking some tings, messing around, finding out what's comfortable," Lyles said. "But for the most part I was attacking the zone like always."

Up next: Mesoraco is expected to be ready to return to the Reds lineup Sunday when the Reds travel to Mesa and face the Cubs at 4:05 p.m. ET. Center fielder Billy Hamilton, who hurt his right shoulder in a wall collision at Sloan Park vs. Chicago on March 6, is also slated to be back in the lineup and behind ace Johnny Cueto as he makes his third start.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER Reds' projected roster has few surprises By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — When I decided to write a column picking the 25-man roster, I knew I'd have Michael Lorenzen and Raisel Iglesias on it.

After what Reds manager Bryan Price said Saturday, it sounds very much like he's thinking the same way. First, Price praised Lorenzen and Iglesias then he said this:

"I wouldn't be surprised if I see these guys on the team for , just doing a risk-reward thing," Price said "Maybe we bring guys to the big leagues a little bit early, take that chance and see if it's going to pay dividends."

Given the lack of success in the bullpen last year — they were 14th in the — and the departure of starters and Alfredo Simon to , the Reds are counting on the unexpected — if you can do such a thing,

"We have to have some surprises," Price said. "We have to have a surprise in the rotation. We have to have a surprise or two in the our bullpen and take it advantage, something we talk about the end the season. 'Wow, this kid came up won 14 games' or we get a couple of performances from the bullpen that we really weren't expecting. Those are things we're going to need to be really good this year."

So let's commence with the roster prediction:

Rotation:

Johnny Cueto

Mike Leake

Anthony DeSchafani

Tony Cingrani

Jason Marquis

The Reds have all but said Homer Bailey is going to start the year on the disabled list. Price has said all along that he sees DeSclafani and Cingrani as the favorites. DeSclafani helped his cause with four innings of shutout ball in Saturday's game. Marquis has been the best starter in camp (eight innings, one runs on three hits).

Beyond Cueto and Leake, no one is a lock. Paul Maholm and David Holmberg haven't done anything to hurt themselves.

"It would be nice to be more clear-cut and know who your guys are," Price said. "We're real happy with Anthony DeSclafani. Jason Marquis has throwing the ball beautifully in each of his three starts. Tony Cingrani has thrown the ball well and his velocity has increased over his two starts. That's important because he leans on his fastball so much."

"We have more depth now than we had at this time last year. We've got Jon Moscot who we think is going to be a very good major league pitcher. Lorenzen is a lot closer. David Holmberg was outstanding in September for us. We feel like Raisel Iglesias is a major league starting pitcher."

Bullpen:

Aroldis Chapman

Burke Badenhop

Jumbo Diaz

Manny Parra

Sam LeCure

Michael Lorenzen

Raisel Iglesias

This is a tough call as well. I think the Reds are looking at Lorenzen and Iglesias as relievers because they're limited as far as innings. Kevin Gregg and J.J. Hoover are not on my list. Hoover gave up home runs in the two of his first three outings. He has options.

Price sounded like the Reds will go with the best arms, mostly, but not all, based on spring.

"There are no freebies here," he said. "We still need guys to come in and they have to look ready to help us in spring training. That doesn't mean position players have to hit .300 and pitchers have to ERAs under 3.50. It means they have to look the part with command and their stuff has to be something we assess as major league value to a winning team. That's how we're evaluating our players. As much as I would love to be able to pencil in 25 guys, it is an open competition. Everyone should be feeling the need to go out and perform and represent themselves the way they want especially these guys that are getting up to the big leagues for the first time or got the first taste of it the last year or two. There are zero guarantees here. We need to perform here, collectively."

Starting 8:

Billy Hamilton CF

Joey Votto 1B

Todd Frazier 3B

Jay Bruce RF

Marlon Byrd LF

Devin Mesoraco C

Brandon Phillips 2B

Zack Cozart SS

No questions here. If those eight are healthy, they'll get the bulk of the time.

Bench:

Skip Schumaker

Kristopher Negron

Brayan Pena

Brennan Boesch

Chris Dominguez

The top three are locks. Boesch has been terrific in camp. Dominguez gives you right-hander pop off the bench, although his defense is a question. I think the final spot will come down to him or Jason Bourgeois. Kyle Waldrop and Donald Lutz have looked good as well.

There could be a surprise here as well. Price says he'd like to Eugenio Suarez to play every day at Triple-A. But he's having a good spring.

Reds lose 1-0; Jason Bourgeois hurt By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Reds lost to the 1-0 as they were blanked on three hits.

Outfielder Jason Bourgeois left the game in the third inning. Bourgeois put down a bunt and then collapsed in pain after breaking out of the box.

It was a left shoulder injury.

"It was his shoulder," Reds manager Bryan Price said, "or the back of his shoulder. I wish I could explain it better."

Bourgeois was undergoing an MRI. The Reds did not have the results late Saturday afternoon.

The arms: Anthony DeSclafani started and went four scoreless innings. He walked two and struck out three. It was nice bounce- back after allowing three runs in three innings in his last start.

The bats: The Reds had three hits - Eugenio Suarez's double and two singles.

The rest: Josh Satin lost a ball in the sun in left that fell for a double. Chris Dominguez made his third error of the spring. The game drew 6,081.

Up next: The Reds go to Mesa to play the . Johnny Cueto (0-1, 1.80 ERA) faces former Red left-hander (8-13, 5.03 ERA in 2014) in a 4:05 p.m. game. Right-hander Kevin Gregg, Sam LeCure, Jon Moscot and Carlos Contreras will followed Cueto. The game is on WLW (700-AM).

Chris Dominguez trying to make an impression on Reds By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Chris Dominguez's disappointment over being let go by the was quickly tempered by the first team to call after his release.

That would be the Reds.

"The Reds were actually my No. 1 team," Dominguez said. "I was happy when they called and were interested. I couldn't have picked a better place."

The Giants released Dominguez on Feb. 6. His non-roster deal with the Reds was wrapped up five days later. Dominguez liked the Reds as a kid, but it didn't hurt that he went to the University of Louisville and still lives there in the offseason.

Dominguez is competing for a bench spot. He had a big night Friday in the Reds' 3-3 tie with the . He doubled and drove in two runs.

"Coming from a different organization, I want to try to impress someone every day," Dominguez said. "I'm just trying to compete and be ready."

Dominguez's bat is what made him attractive to the Reds. He hit .274 with 23 doubles, 21 home runs, 21 steals and 85 RBI last year at Triple-A Fresno. He earned a September call-up. He went 1-for-12 over eight games. His one hit was a home run.

Baseball America named him the best power bat in the San Francisco organization in 2013.

Dominguez's defense isn't as well-rated. He made his third error of the spring Saturday. And he doesn't have a true position.

"I played mostly third coming up in the minors," he said. "But the last few years, I've played everywhere. I've had the same amount of games everywhere. Last year, I played 40 games at shortstop. Right now, I feel comfortable everywhere."

Dominguez knows the value in that.

"Absolutely, in the National League, you see the importance of being able to play any position," he said. "It gives the organization more opportunities to use you."

The Reds like versatility in their bench players.

"It certainly helps," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's been a corner defender in the infield and outfield. But my understanding is he also played 40 games at shortstop last year for Fresno.

"The other part, especially with a team that at this point in time is healthy, would be the ability to come off the bench and perform as a bench player. One of the reasons he's getting some DH opportunities in some of these games is simply to see what he can do swinging that bat without having just come off from playing defense. It's the challenge of a young player – learning to be a bench player at the big league level, at least initially."

Bailey's session with live hitters goes well By John Fay / Cincinnati Enquirer / [email protected] / @Johnfayman

GOODYEAR, Arizona — Homer Bailey threw 31 pitches to hitters Saturday morning. It is the first time he's faced hitters since his September surgery to repair a torn flexor mass.

It went about like he expected.

"It went fine," he said. "I thought it went all right. There's still work to be done. It's not like we're going to go there and throw innings yet. There were good points and bad points."

The bad stuff wasn't physical. Bailey said he had "minimal" discomfort.

"It was mechanical stuff," he said, "not getting off the mound as much I usually do."

The tentative plan is for Bailey to throw one more live BP session and then pitch in a game.

"We've got to see how I recover from it," he said. "Listen to the trainers, listen to the people who are in charge of that."

Bailey, the 28-year-old right-hander, isn't expected to be ready for his first turn in the rotation.

"Homer may not be ready until the middle of the month if he follows the throwing protocol that we currently have him on, although he's progressing rapidly," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We'll have (Johnny) Cueto and (Mike) Leake and we may need a fifth starter to possibly make one or two starts."

DAYTON DAILY NEWS Early Observations from spring training By Hal McCoy / Dayton Daily News

UNSOLICTED OBSERVATIONS from The Man Cave, writing baseball and watching some incredible conference tournament basketball and wondering which NBA team will stop the University of Kentucky.

It is a small sampling because the Cincinnati Reds have only played about a third of their spring training exhibition schedule, but here are some early observations from my three weeks in Arizona:

The most impressive player in camp so far has been outfield candidate Brennan Boesch, a left handed hitter with some nitroglycerin in his bat. He is 9 for his first 21 (.429) with two home runs, a double and five RBI.

Boesch could be the bat off the bench capable of providing a three-run home run late in a game, something the Reds haven’t had off the bench since Jonny Gomes.

THE MOST IMPRESSIVE pitcher so far has been veteran Jason Marquis, who came to camp and boldly said, “One of the rotation spots is mine to lose.” And he has done nothing to lose it. In three appearances he given up one run and three hits over nine innings, a 1.00 ERA.

The thinking by the Reds is that he might be the guy to fill in for a start or two until Homer Bailey is ready, but Marquis looks as if he is ready to take one of the two spots available in the rotation vacated by Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon.

Anthony DeStefani and Tony Cingrani were the early favorites for those two spots, but DeStafani has not been impressive in his first five innings — four runs, seven hits and a 5.40 ERA. Cingrani has been OK, five innings, one run, five hits.

BASED ONLY ON early returns, the bullpen remains a huge problem. They brought in Blake Badenhop with a lot of fanfare, but in two appearances over just 1 2/3 innings he has given up five runs and eight hits, a 27.00 .

J.J. Hoover continues to be perplexed by the home run ball, giving up two home runs, three runs and five hits in three innings.

And one begins to wonder if shoulder-plagued Sean Marshall is ever going to be able to contribute as a left handed situational guy out of the bullpen.

INFIELDER EUGENIO SUAREZ is hitting .333 (5 for 15) and made two incredible defensive plays in his first couple of games, but is no threat to take away Zack Cozart’s job at shortstop, according to manager Bryan Price. “We want Suarez to play every day, not sit on the bench, and Cozart is our shortstop,” said Price. And Cozart is hitting .308 (4 for 13).

The player that caught my eye quickly and pointedly was outfielder Marlon Byrd, who appears to be the clubhouse leader the Reds could use. He is one of the first arrivals every morning and he quickly dresses and goes to work, taking early batting practice nearly every day.

He is highly visible and vociferous in the clubhouse, talking with the other players, mostly offering advice and talking nothing but optimism.

As for leadership, he says, “I’ve done everything and seen about everything there is to do and see in my 14 years and I’d love to be a leader. But to be a leader, you have to have followers. The other guys have to want to be led.”

CBSSPORTS.COM Homer Bailey faces live batters for Reds By Shawn Krest / CBSSports.com

Reds pitcher Homer Bailey threw about 30 pitches to batters during a live batting practice session on Saturday.

Bailey is rehabbing after undergoing offseason elbow surgery. He's thrown several bullpen sessions this spring, but this was his first time facing hitters.

Bailey told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, "It went fine."

Reds outfielder Jason Bourgeois leaves game early after HBP By Brandon Wise / CBSSports.com

Reds outfielder Jason Bourgeois left Saturday's game after taking a pitch off the hand while trying to lay down a sacrifice bunt, reports MLB.com.

Bourgeois tried to walk it off, but went to the ground quickly. He needed the medical trainer's assistance to get off the field. He will be evaluated further after the game.

Bourgeois received an MRI on his shoulder after the game and reportedly was not hit by the ball. Results of the examination were not yet available.

"I'd like to be able to explain exactly what happened," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "I thought he tripped and did something when he went down. I think it happened after he bunted the ball and was leaving the box."

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman working multiple innings By Dave Peters / CBSSports.com

After the Reds considered adding closer Aroldis Chapman to the starting lineup in 2013, the team is now working him multiple innings during spring training.

Chapman worked two innings on Friday against the Dodgers.

"The repetitions were what I felt really helped him get comfortable with his mechanics and get comfortable throwing that slider and changeup," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Even though we're going to limit him to one or two innings during the season, Spring Training is a great opportunity for him to connect with his mechanics and off-speed pitches. We figured it's not broke, let's not try to fix it. He's not going to throw four or five innings but multiple-inning outings in the spring will be something fairly commonplace for Aroldis."

In three appearances he has allowed two hits, one walk with six strikeouts in five innings pitched.

Reds reliever Jumbo Diaz fighting to be member of bullpen By Dave Peters / CBSSports.com

Reds reliever Jumbo Diaz wants to make the Reds' squad out of camp this year, per MLB.com.

"I have to come in this year with the same hunger from last year," Diaz said. "They're giving me an opportunity and I will try to do my best to fight for that spot in the bullpen."

Diaz, 31, is considered to be right in the mix when it comes to the Reds' bullpen search, according to Reds manager Bryan Price.

"We're counting on him," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Again, there are no freebies here. We still need guys to come in and they have to look ready to help us in Spring Training."

ASSOCIATED PRESS DeSclafani makes Reds rotation bid with 4 blank innings By The Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Anthony DeSclafani threw four scoreless innings for Cincinnati as he competes for a rotation spot, and the Reds lost to the Colorado Rockies 1-0 Saturday.

The favorite to win one of two open starting jobs finished his day by striking out Nick Hundley with the bases loaded.

"He is aggressive. He doesn't mess around," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He was able to pitch out of trouble."

The 24-year-old DeSclafani overcame control trouble.

"I put myself in a hole, but ended up working out of it. I don't like walking people," DeSclafani said.

Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles allowed one hit over three innings, striking out three to help his more solid standing with Colorado.

"There were a couple of unnecessary walks, but I was able to get a couple of groundballs," Lyles said.

Jay Bruce was hitless in three plate appearances in his first game back after being out most of the week with a strained right calf. The Reds right fielder threw out Brandon Barnes trying to advance to third base on Carlos Gonzalez's second hit.

"My timing is better than I expected," Gonzalez said. "I'm seeing the ball really, really well. One of the things I had in mind is to hit the ball the other way."

Gonzalez doubled to left in the first inning.

Jason Bourgeois, trying to earn a spot as the Reds' fourth outfielder, left the game after bunting Eugenio Suarez to third in the second inning.

Bourgeois is having his left shoulder examined, Reds trainer Paul Lessard said.

TRAINERS ROOM

Rockies: LHP Jorge De La Rosa has recovered from a tight left groin, suffered early in camp while throwing live batting practice. De La Rosa will pitch in a "B" game on Sunday against Arizona.

Reds: OF Billy Hamilton, out since March 6 because of a sore right shoulder, is set to play Sunday. ... C Devin Mesaroco, who sustained a concussion when a foul tip hit him in the mask, has passed all the tests needed for him to return. He is waiting for paperwork to be reviewed by and the players' union. He could be in the lineup Sunday. ... Homer Bailey threw live batting practice on Saturday. Barring a setback, he will throw one more session, then will be ready for game action.

UP NEXT

Rockies: RHP Kyle Kendrick will start against Kansas City on Sunday.

Reds: Johnny Cueto will make his third start against Travis Wood and the Cubs. RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Sam LeCure, RHP Jon Moscot and RHP Carlos Contreras will follow Cueto, who is expected to pitch four innings.

STARTING TIME

Rockies: Lyles made 22 starts for Colorado last season. He has pitched well this spring, allowing one earned run in seven innings. He struck out twice with a changeup he's been working on. "I worked on the grip to my change when I came back last year. There will be no more tinkering with it," he said.

Reds: DeSclafani has allowed three earned runs in nine innings over three starts. "I liked that I put up zeroes,' DeSclafani said. "I felt like I got ahead of the hitters, but they kind of battled. They drew a walk. I want to limit those walks. I don't like walking people. I like to see that kind of stuff in spring. I'm kind of seeing everything in spring and going through it all. I was happy with it."

POWER OUTAGE

Reds starters have not allowed a home run this spring.

TRANSACTIONS Date Transaction 03/14/15 SS Adam Frazier assigned to . OF Steve Selsky assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Devin Harris assigned to San Francisco Giants. IF Rando Moreno assigned to San Francisco Giants. C Trevor Brown assigned to San Francisco Giants. RHP Fernando Cabrera assigned to San Francisco Giants. RF Rubi Silva assigned to Chicago Cubs. CF Mark Shannon assigned to . CF Chad Hinshaw assigned to Los Angeles Angels. 3B Alex Allbritton assigned to Los Angeles Angels. RHP Kurt Spomer assigned to Los Angeles Angels. LHP Chris O'Grady assigned to Los Angeles Angels. LF Tom Belza assigned to . C Michael Perez assigned to Arizona Diamondbacks. OF Randolph Oduber assigned to . OF Kevin Mattison assigned to Washington Nationals. RHP B.J. Rosenberg assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers. RHP Miguel Chalas assigned to . CF Bo Way assigned to Los Angeles Angels. SS Erick Salcedo assigned to Los Angeles Angels. 3B Brian Hernandez assigned to Los Angeles Angels. RHP Steven Hensley assigned to Los Angeles Angels. RF Tyler Horan assigned to San Francisco Giants. 1B Shawn Pleffner assigned to Washington Nationals. 1B John Bowker assigned to San Francisco Giants. RHP Tyler Mizenko assigned to San Francisco Giants. RHP Stephen Johnson assigned to San Francisco Giants. SS Jason Martinson assigned to Washington Nationals. LHP Andrew Faulkner assigned to . C Chuck Moorman assigned to Texas Rangers. RHP Jose Monegro assigned to Texas Rangers. 3B Jayson Langfels assigned to Colorado Rockies. Colorado Rockies optioned Jorge Rondon to Albuquerque Isotopes. Colorado Rockies optioned Rosell Herrera to New Britain Rock Cats. signed free agent RHP Francisco Rodriguez. CF Mark Payton assigned to . LF Mark Minicozzi assigned to Washington Nationals. SS Ali Castillo assigned to New York Yankees. SS assigned to Washington Nationals. 3B Mario Lisson assigned to Washington Nationals. LHP Matthew Spann assigned to Washington Nationals. RHP Abel De Los Santos assigned to Washington Nationals. C Jeff Howell assigned to Washington Nationals. SS Tzu-Wei Lin assigned to . 3B Steven Fuentes assigned to . C Shane Zeile assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Guido Knudson assigned to Detroit Tigers. RHP Jordan Guth assigned to . OF Beau Amaral assigned to Cincinnati Reds. OF Juan Silva assigned to Cincinnati Reds. 3B Seth Mejias-Brean assigned to Cincinnati Reds. St. Louis Cardinals optioned Mike Ohlman to Memphis Redbirds. OF Austin Meadows assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. 2B Brodie Greene assigned to Cincinnati Reds. RHP A.J. Morris assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. RHP Jeff Inman assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. OF Bryson Smith assigned to Cincinnati Reds.