Reds push Cueto back; Smith to debut

CINCINNATI -- The Reds revised their starting rotation with an announcement on Monday that right-hander Josh Smith will be called up from Triple-A Louisville to start Tuesday vs. the Pirates in place of ace Johnny Cueto. Smith will be making his Major League debut.

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Following Smith for the rest of the Pittsburgh series will be Mike Leake on Wednesday and Anthony DeSclafani on Thursday. Cueto will pitch Friday's series opener vs. the Mets at Citi Field, followed by Michael Lorenzen and Smith.

According to a team spokesperson, the change was made to give Cueto a couple of extra days of rest. But it was not specified if he was dealing with a health issue. Cueto missed a start last month after he experienced right elbow stiffness.

The club also revealed that closer Aroldis Chapman is on paternity leave.

In 13 starts combined this season with Louisville, Double-A Pensacola and Class A Dayton, Smith is 4-4 with a 3.04 ERA, 13 walks and 60 strikeouts over 74 innings pitched.

Smith, 27, was a 21st-round selection by the Reds in the 2010 Draft.