Cingrani told to be upfront about injuries

GOODYEAR, Ariz, -- One of the few negatives associated with lefty pitcher Tony Cingrani's rookie 2013 season was back injuries. In August, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list and missed two starts with a lower back strain. The injury flared up a second time in the middle of a Sept. 10 game and ended his season.

It turned out that Cingrani was having back trouble for three weeks before he informed the club. Former manager Dusty Baker and then-pitching coach and current manager Bryan Price let Cingrani know that keeping his injury a secret wasn't acceptable.

"First of all, we have a responsibility to go out there and win games for the Reds and take the field prepared," Price said Monday. "No. 2, you have the best in the business in the clubhouse to get you ready to take the field feeling good. Don't keep an injury or a nagging problem to yourself. I think anymore, if you're not ready to play, we have the people to help you get ready to play."

Cingrani, 24, was 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA last season in 23 games, including 18 starts, mostly while filling in for an injured Johnny Cueto. He is expected to be a full-time member of the rotation this season.

"You're not soft by going in [the training room] on the days you need some attention from the trainers," Price said. "I think he was trying to be that rookie that wasn't seen lingering in the training room. I appreciate that but I think it set him back."