Cingrani 'likely choice' to start for Reds on Tuesday

CINCINNATI -- The Reds will need a starting pitcher to face the Cubs on Tuesday and will be making a roster move to get one. All signs are pointing to a return of rookie left-hander Tony Cingrani to take the spot.

Cincinnati is still officially calling the probable starter "TBA."

"He's the likely choice," Reds manager Dusty Baker said Friday when asked about Cingrani. "I just can't confirm or deny. It's too early."

After ace Johnny Cueto was scratched vs. the Rockies Wednesday and placed on the disabled list again with a right shoulder injury, Pedro Villarreal made the emergency start. Villarreal was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Friday and infielder Henry Rodriguez was recalled from Louisville to be an extra bat on the bench

Cingrani was 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA in six starts in his previous callup for the Reds when Cueto was out. He walked nine and struck out 41 in 33 innings.

At Louisville, Cingrani is 3-0 with a 1.15 ERA in six starts. He last pitched on Monday vs. Toledo and gave up three runs and six hits over seven innings. The 23-year-old was the Bats' scheduled starter on Friday against Norfolk, but was replaced by Yohan Pino.