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On Monday night, the Reds finally got some clarity on Anthony DeSclafani’s recurring elbow soreness. He was diagnosed with a UCL sprain, and according to Zach Buchanan the team will reevaluate his status in four weeks.
UCL sprain for DeSclafani. Shut down 4 weeks. Will reevaluate then
— Zach Buchanan (@ZachENQ) March 13, 2017
As Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors notes, there is a chance DeSclafani could ultimately avoid Tommy John surgery. There are “several new techniques being utilized to forestall a surgical option.” At the very least, fans should expect the team to be incredibly cautious in 2017 with one of their best young pitchers.
Buchanan noted in a follow up article that DeSclafani could debut in mid-May if all goes well. This is now the second starting pitcher the Reds anticipated having at the start of the season who will miss significant time. Brandon Finnegan and Scott Feldman are the only sure things in the rotation at the moment.
The injury is another frustrating setback for Cincinnati’s best starter from a season ago. DeSclafani missed the start of last season due to an oblique strain. Ultimately, he was able to bounce back and finish the year 9-5 with a 3.28 ERA.
Who might the Reds pick to fill out the rotation at the start of the season? Some combination of Cody Reed, Robert Stephenson, Time Adleman, Amir Garrett, Sal Romano, Luis Castillo, and Rookie Davis are the most likely options.