Cincinnati Reds Off-Day Report

Apr 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

PLAYER NOTES: 4/17/14

RHP Johnathan Broxton will be the primary closer while LHP Aroldis Chapman rehabs from injury. “There might be times, based on the situation that we’ll use somebody else, most likely it would well against both lefties and righties. He also has a history as a closer, with 112 career saves including Tuesday night.

LHP Manny Parra, the only left-hander in the Reds bullpen with Aroldis Chapman and Sean Marshall on the disabled list, has had to do just about everything. “He’s got to close, he has to set up, he has to get both left-handed and right-handed batters out, it would be nice to give him a reprieve,” said manager Bryan Price.

Aroldis Chapman will throw his second bullpen session today. He is expected to throw up to four bullpens before possibly being cleared to throw live batting practice. Chapman will remain on an every-third day bullpen schedule with increasing pitch-counts. “His arm’s in great shape, it’s just about building up his endurance,” said manager Bryan Price.

LHP Sean Marshall allowed one hit, a walk and had two strikeouts in one inning for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He pitched on Wednesday, throwing back-to-back days for the first time. Reds bullpen coach Mack Jenkins watched the video feed of Marshall’s outing and gave a positive report. “He was sharp with the breaking ball and fastball,” manager Bryan Price said. “After he throws today we’ll re-evaluate him.”

RHP Johnny Cueto was sensational Wednesday against Pittsburgh, tossing his third career shutout and seventh complete game. Cueto allowed just three hits with no walks and 12 strikeouts. “He had a real good changeup,” said manager Bryan Price. “He didn’t have to over-show his breaking ball. It was his game there in the ninth.” Cueto has gone at least seven innings in each of his starts this season.

“He gave us a big boost today. We were looking to win our first series. Pittsburgh always is a lot to handle. He had a real good changeup. He didn’t have to over-show his breaking ball. It was his game to finish in the ninth.” Reds manager Bryan Price, on Johnny Cueto’s complete game shutout win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

The Team begins a three cities, 10 game road trip tomorrow afternoon, beginning with three games in Chicago against the Cubs.