SAN DIEGO -- The Reds activated pitcher Homer Bailey from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday, which should clear the way for him to make his long-awaited 2016 debut this weekend. To clear a spot on the 25-man roster, outfielder Kyle Waldrop was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.
Reliever Caleb Cotham was transferred to the 60-day DL to make room for Bailey on the 40-man roster.
Bailey last pitched for the Reds on April 23, 2015, before he needed Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He made six rehab starts for Louisville, including on Monday, when he threw 98 pitches over 4 1/3 innings.
Over the past calendar year, the 30-year-old Bailey has been limited to five big league starts. In August 2014, he had surgery to repair a torn flexor mass tendon near the same elbow.
The Reds have an open spot in their rotation for Sunday vs. the Padres, however the club has yet to formally name a starter. It remains "TBA," pending an announcement.