GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- There is no disputing that left-handed prospect Cody Reed has been one of the more impressive starting pitchers competing for open rotation spots in Reds' camp this spring.
What remains to be seen is if Cincinnati would take north a soon-to-be 23-year-old with only a half-season of experience at Double-A. Manager Bryan Price has ruled nothing out.
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"What he's done, more than anything, is he's put himself on the map for our ballclub," Price said on Sunday. "I would imagine that if he doesn't make the club, at some point in time in 2016 you'll see him. I think he's going to be an impact pitcher for us, I really do. I've got great confidence in this kid. It's over a short period of time, but he's just living up to what everyone else had to say about him."
Reed, who will be 23 on April 15, pitched three scoreless innings with four strikeouts on Saturday vs. the Mariners. His only allowed hit was a comebacker that skipped off of his glove to the shortstop. In his previous start, last Monday vs. the Angels, he threw another three scoreless frames with the only two hits coming on broken-bat singles.
Ranked the Reds' No. 3 prospect by MLBPipeline.com, Reed was acquired in the July 26 trade that sent Johnny Cueto to the Royals.
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The Reds are not expected to compete for the postseason, which also clouds the decision. Even if Reed could help the club now, what's best for his development is a major factor. The club would prefer he gets one big league callup and stay with the Reds, rather than shuttle back-and-forth to the Minors.
"That's the question. That's the hard part about guys in your system that you don't know as much about," Price said. "The thing with Cody is we've had him in our system since the end of July. He seems to be extremely mature and ready to handle this type of atmosphere. You know with these young guys there's a lot that goes in the equation as far as being able to control innings to try to decide who's the most ready to be here and who can handle the situation."
Worth noting
• Center fielder Billy Hamilton (right shoulder) has been throwing and swinging and doing well. Price said Hamilton could soon get into games, but didn't have an exact date.
• Pitcher John Lamb (back surgery) recently underwent a setback but has returned to throwing again.
"He's trying to build up some glute strength, the hamstring, some lower back," Price said. "But he's still throwing. I don't see him not being ready to pitch by late April."