GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- When the Reds open Cactus League play on Friday vs. the Giants in Scottsdale, right-handed pitching prospect Rookie Davis will get the start. Left-handed pitching prospect Amir Garrett will start on Saturday vs. the Indians.
Reds manager Bryan Price announced his decision on Wednesday but did not disclose the rest of the starting assignments.
"These guys, like Garrett, [Robert] Stephenson, [Cody] Reed, [Lisalverto] Bonilla, etc., a lot of times they're going to have to throw second in a game, and all that means is we don't have enough spots in the rotation to get guys constant starts," Price said. "Sometimes those competing for spots in the rotation will have to come in out of the bullpen. It's not the worst thing in the world."
Davis, 23, is ranked as the Reds' No. 9 prospect by MLBPipeline.com and went 10-5 with a 3.82 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) for Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville. He had a 2.94 ERA in 19 starts with Pensacola but missed a month with a strained right groin that he never really recovered from during the season.
Although he is likely behind Reed, Stephenson, Bonilla and Tim Adleman in the battle for two open rotation spots, Davis could still make the team with a good camp and if circumstances change.
Davis says he is ready to take the ball on Friday.
"I remember last year, the first camp, I was a little nervous," Davis said. "I threw in a B game, and just kind of got my feet wet, and it felt kind of like the Gulf Coast League when I was in Tampa. I'm excited. [Price] told me yesterday during stretch. I'm taking it like any other game. Any time you're able to throw not only the first one, but any big league Spring Training game you throw is exciting. I'm going to go out there and compete and go right after guys and do my job."