Reds' rotation has yet to miss a start

By foxsports
Published

Thursday night was the Reds' 56th game. They've used only five starting pitchers.

That's the deepest the Reds have gone into the season only using five since 1992.

"Well, that's the secret of any winning team," Reds manager Dusty Baker said before Thursday's 5-4, 10-inning loss to Pittsburgh. "You have a tremendous amount of depth and there isn't that much around, especially in the pitching department."

Bronson Arroyo, who has never missed a start at any level, thinks he's had some influence, particularly on Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey, who missed time last year.

"Consciously or subconsciously, they've seen what I done over the years," Arroyo said. "I'm such routine freak. I listen to the same music in weight room. Stupid things, like carrying the same phone for the last seven years that everyone thinks is ridiculous. Those things can bleed off onto people.

"They say, 'Hey, this guy makes all his starts.' Also, it takes a little while to build a program that make you feel comfortable, when you throw your side, what do I like to eat at the ballpark, what supplements do I want to take, where do I sit when I chart the game. It takes a couple of years before you fall into a routine.

"There's no doubt in my mind it's made them more consistent and allowed them to toe the rubber every fifth day."

NOTES, QUOTES

Chapman allows one run and two streaks come to an end

--LHP Aroldis Chapman gave up back-to-back doubles to Clint Barmes and Michael McKenry, both of whom came in hitting under .190, to start the 10th inning. The earned run ended a 24-game and 29-inning streak for Chapman without allowing one. "You know it was going to happen soon or later," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "You just didn't want it to happen tonight."

--2B Brandon Phillips is a Gold Glove winner. But he can be nonchalant. Phillips lost concentration after covering first on a bunt play in the seventh inning. That allowed Jose Tabata to go to third on the play. He ended up scoring on a sacrifice fly. "I tried to make sure I caught the ball at first base," Phillips said. "High throw. I caught the ball and forgot about the guy being on second base. ... Little things like that. You never know how the game's going to turn out."

--1B Joey Votto went 3-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to 13 games. He's batting .543 with seven doubles, two home runs and seven RBI during the streak.

--LHP Sean Marshall has adjusted to his new role. He hasn't allowed a hit in 10 appearances over 7 1/3 innings. He's struck out eight and walked two.

--3B Scott Rolen, on the disabled list since May 12 because of a sore left shoulder, took batting practice for the second straight day. "I felt good," he said. Then he quickly added: "No timetable."

--CF Drew Stubbs' strained oblique was better Thursday. "It's hard to say how much better," he said. "I laid low (Wednesday) and got treatment. But the doctor said my symptoms are improving." Stubbs was not going to hit or throw at all Thursday.

BY THE NUMBERS: 1 -- That's how many extra-base hits Aroldis Chapman had allowed before giving up back-to-back doubles Thursday.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "They caught Brandon (Phillips) sleeping on the play," --Reds manager Dusty Baker on the play that Jose Tabata went from first to third on a sacrifice bunt.

ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:



--CF Drew Stubbs (strained oblique) was injured swinging at a pitch June 5, and he didn't play June 6-7. He is day-to-day.

--RHP Nick Masset (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He threw on flat ground May 24 for the first time and now is throwing 120 feet. There is no timetable for his return.

--LHP Bill Bray (strained left groin) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Louisville on April 29, but he moved back to extended spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., after one outing. He resumed throwing May 28, and he threw a bullpen session June 1. He might be able to start a rehab assignment in early June.

--3B Scott Rolen (strained left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list May 12. On June 6, he took batting practice on the field for the first time since he was injured. There is no timetable for his return.

--RHP Ryan Madson (Tommy John surgery in April 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He is out for the season.