Finnegan to DL; Romano, Adleman called up

Winker optioned to Triple-A Louisville to make room

April 16th, 2017
Sal Romano posted a 1.38 ERA in two starts for Triple-A Louisville this season. (AP)

CINCINNATI -- The Reds made two roster moves ahead of Sunday's series finale vs. the Brewers. Right-handed pitcher was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to start vs. Milwaukee. For bullpen depth, pitcher was also summoned from Louisville.
To make room on the roster, outfielder was optioned to Louisville.
Starter was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder after he exited Saturday's 7-5 win following one inning.
"With this particular injury with Brandon, we can realistically expect him to be back here in a few weeks," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "But it's not going to be one or two starts and then he'll be back. It's going to be longer than that."
Finnegan is expected to rest for two-to-three weeks before he resumes throwing.

As for who replaces Finnegan in the rotation, it remains a fluid situation. Romano could remain in the big leagues. Price could go to either or -- starters who are currently working out of the bullpen. , who went on the 10-day DL Thursday with a bruised right forearm, is eligible to return on Friday but it's not clear yet if he'll be ready. Adleman could also be a possibility.
The Reds will need two starters to face the Cubs on Friday and Saturday. Those spots are currently listed as "TBA."
"There's a lot of things that are up in the air and many of the candidates we have that can jump into the rotation are already here," Price said. "We just have to figure out what our best group looks like and how to slot them in there and how to continue to get the starters-relievers enough regular work to warrant them staying here."
Adleman struggled in Spring Training in the rotation competition but had a solid outing in his one start for Louisville on Monday. He worked seven innings with two earned runs, five hits, one walk and six strikeouts while throwing 95 pitches.
"I've done it before but not in a while," said Adleman of bullpen work. "I'm just going to feel it out but the approach is not going to change as far as getting in there. I will throw strikes, try to get some early contact and keep these guys off balance."
Worth noting
• Winker was summoned from Louisville on Friday and went 1-for-2 in his first two big league games -- both as a pinch-hitter. He provided the go-ahead runs with a double in the sixth inning of the Reds' 7-5 win over the Brewers.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the last Reds player to have his first Major League hit be for extra bases and drive in the game-winning run was pitcher Brett Tomko vs. the Mets in 1997. The last position player to achieve that feat was catcher Dann Bilardello in 1983 vs. the Cubs.