DeSclafani delivers perfect spring debut

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Anthony DeSclafani certainly looked the part of an Opening Day starter in his Cactus League debut Thursday.
The Reds right-hander got off to a strong start and struck out one in his two perfect innings during Thursday's 9-1 win over the Indians.
"I felt good," DeSclafani said. "It was the first outing of the year, so I'm not going to put too much judgment on it. Body felt good, mechanics felt good, just got to make some adjustments with the fastball, work on fastball command and just keep trying to progress."
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Reds manager Bryan Price, who has yet to name his Opening Day starter, despite all signs pointing toward DeSclafani, was pleased with the 25-year old's outing.
"It was terrific," Price said. "It was fun to watch. He was able to blend in a good two-strike curveball, changeup, good fastball. [He] looks like he's in really good shape."
While DeSclafani looked the part Thursday, there is a long way to go until the Reds host the Phillies on April 4. DeSclafani doesn't want to get too far ahead of himself and is currently focused on the task at hand, but does admit that, if chosen, he'd be honored to start the opener.
"I think it means something to everybody," DeSclafani said. "That's something that every starting pitcher would love to do, throw Opening Day. But I just want to continue with progression. I think today was a good start, felt good, left the game healthy. I just want to go out there, keep making progress and earn that right to start Opening Day."
DeSclafani went 9-13 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 starts a season ago.