CINCINNATI -- Anthony DeSclafani, expected to be one of the veteran anchors of Cincinnati's starting pitching rotation, has not pitched this season due to elbow problems. He is, however, trying to find a way to prevent 2017 from becoming a total wash. Reds manager Bryan Price said the 27-year-old right-hander threw 20 pitches during a bullpen session Tuesday, played catch Wednesday and will throw off a mound Friday at Pittsburgh.
"We have to get him to the point where we have somewhat of an idea of a workload that can help make sure his elbow is in a good enough spot to go into the offseason," Price said. "We need to build up a body of work that builds confidence he is going to be able to get through this elbow issue."
When asked if DeSclafani might be able to throw in the Arizona Fall League season that begins in October, Price said, "We haven't gotten close enough to talk about it."
DeSclafani was transferred to the 60-day disabled list with a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow after throwing just 23 pitches during an Aug. 3 rehab start for Class A Advanced Dayton. He had already missed the first four months of the season with elbow problems that began early in Spring Training.
He made 51 starts for Cincinnati over two years (18-18, 3.74) after being traded to Cincinnati by the Marlins (along with catcher Chad Wallach) for Mat Latos in December 2014. He did miss two months of the 2016 season with a strained oblique.
DeSclafani becomes arbitration eligible for the first time this winter.
"The big question that has to be answered is, 'Is he capable of taking on a workload similar to years past?'" Price said.
Quick hits
• Outfielder Jesse Winker (hip flexor) is "still a ways" from being able to resume baseball activities, Price said.
• The Reds will salute veteran pitcher Bronson Arroyo prior to and after the Sept. 23 game against Boston at Great American Ball Park. Arroyo, traded from the Red Sox to Cincinnati in 2006, started 279 games for the Reds from 2006-13 and 2017 and ranks No. 6 on the club's all-time strikeout list. Arroyo and his band will play a 40-minute concert after the game, followed by a fireworks show.
• The Reds will partner with The Cure Starts Now to hold a group fundraiser Sept. 24. The Reds will also collaborate with 'Love Your Melon,' an organization that provides hats to children battling cancer, to offer a special package that includes a game ticket and a beanie for games Sept. 15, 17, and 21. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to a pediatric cancer charity.