CINCINNATI -- The most consistent starting pitcher in the Reds' organization this season is on his way to the big leagues for the first time. Right-hander Tyler Mahle was announced as Cincinnati's starter for Sunday's series finale vs. the Pirates.
Mahle, the Reds' No. 4 prospect according to MLBPipeline and currently at Triple-A Louisville, will replace Homer Bailey after he was bumped back to start on Wednesday vs. the Mets. A roster move to add Mahle to the 25- and 40-man rosters is pending.
"[Mahle] commands his fastball, he commands his stuff, he throws a lot of strikes and competes well," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's athletic. He has a good feel for pitching. He's really dominated at the Double-A level and more than held his own in Triple-A."
Mahle, 22, was 7-3 with a 1.59 ERA in 14 starts for Double-A Pensacola, which included a perfect game on April 22. After his promotion to Louisville on June 22, he was 3-4 with a 2.73 ERA in 10 starts. In 144 1/3 innings at both levels, he has a 0.96 WHIP with 30 walks and 138 strikeouts.
"He didn't skip a beat going from Double-A to Triple-A," Price said. "A lot of guys, when they make that advance, want to test the waters a little bit, but he went right after the hitters."
Bailey came out of Tuesday's start vs. the Cubs following three scoreless innings as a precaution because of an irritation in the back of his right shoulder. His injury history -- three elbow surgeries since Aug. 2014 -- has the club being extra deliberate.
"He does not feel that he needs to be bumped back. It was my decision to do that," Price said. "With a day off [Monday] and the chance to push him back a little bit, I think it serves everybody well considering what's been happening the last few years. I just didn't want to take any chances even though he feels great."