Mat Latos Rehab Start In Pensacola

Sep 13, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mat Latos (55) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Milwaukee won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Mat Latos got to start on Opening Night, not in Cincinnati though but rather in Pensacola for the Double A affiliate of the Reds.

Latos rocked the Blue Wahoos uniform Thursday night as he looked to rebound from two offseason surgeries. Surgery for an elbow injury and surgery to remove cartilage in his knee force the Reds star to relax and slow down his offseason. Now with Latos feeling better he was sent to Pensacola to rehab in hopes of rejoining the big club soon.

After striking out the first two batters of the game Latos gave up a double to Tennessee Smokies outfielder Rubi Silvia. He then gave up a two run home run to Kris Bryant giving the Smokies a 2-0 lead. From there Latos would give up one more run in the second then two more in the third before settling down in the fourth inning.

Following the fourth inning Latos’ night was done. Not quite the night that Latos wanted but overall not a hateful night. When major league pitchers go to the minors the minor league players step their game up a little, they’re swinging for the fences each time. That makes reading the box score a little deceiving.

The box score for Latos: 4IP, 7H, 5R, 3ER, 2BB, 3SO. Nothing to write home to Dallas about but nothing to be ashamed of.

The biggest part of the rehab start was to ensure Latos felt no pain. “The knee feels good, the elbow feels good, That was the main concern, the elbow, coming into today” said Latos following his start.

As long as he feels good about it the fans should as well. Latos will likely make another rehab start before rejoining the team. Although he is able to come off the disabled list Saturday April 5th.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco also made the trip to Pensacola with Latos. The Reds full-time catcher also making a rehab start had 2 walks on the night, no hits.

Fans voiced their concerns about Latos’ lackluster box score following his outing. Their concerns are unwarranted, this is the same Latos the Reds had last year, expect this one is in not pain.

The Blue Wahoos won 6-5.