GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Homer Bailey had just pitched two scoreless innings for the Reds in his spring debut on Sunday and was asked sort of a loaded question -- if he felt normal out on the mound for a first start.
"Define normal lately," Bailey replied with a smirk.
This is the same pitcher who has had three elbow surgeries since 2014.
Bailey gave up two hits with no walks and struck out three during Cincinnati's 2-2 tie with the Indians.
"The first one, it's nice to get out there, get some competition a little bit," Bailey said. "Everything felt great. I had two clean innings, not a high pitch count, didn't walk anybody. Just kind of get your feet back wet a little bit."
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Following his rehab from having bone chips removed from his right elbow, Bailey debuted on June 24 last season and was 6-9 with a 6.43 ERA in 18 starts. However, he was able to go through a regular throwing program in the offseason without restrictions.
Both of the Indians' hits vs. Bailey came on soft contact. With two outs in the first inning, Jose Ramirez hit a squib near the third-base line. Bailey was the only one who could get to it, but his throw to first was late. In the second inning with one out, Yan Gomes had a check-swing double fall in just behind first base.

"They were two really good pitches, they just got on them a little and hit them where we weren't," Bailey said. "I'm just glad we made it through two, that's kind of what you want to do."
Williams OK
Non-roster outfielder Mason Williams was sporting two stitches on his chin on Sunday but otherwise felt fortunate. In Saturday's game vs. the Rockies, Williams was struck by a Phillip Ervin foul ball in the fourth inning.
"It didn't hit my nose. My teeth are still there and they're intact," Williams said.
After being hit by the ball, Williams was down for several moments.
"I was getting ready to start stretching because I was going into the game the next inning," Williams said. "Next thing you knew, I was hit in the face."
Reds manager Bryan Price had Williams in the starting lineup for the club's split-squad game vs. the White Sox on Sunday. He went 1-for-3 with a double.
Checking out a top Draft prospect
Taking advantage of his proximity to Reds camp, general manager Dick Williams was among a group of team officials to watch Draft prospect Nolan Gorman play this week. Gorman, a third baseman from O'Connor High School in Phoenix, is considered the best power hitter in the 2018 Draft class.
Cincinnati has the fifth overall pick in this year's Draft in June.

Paying respects
Williams, assistant GM Nick Krall and senior advisor Walt Jocketty departed Arizona for San Diego on Sunday to attend a memorial service for the late Kevin Towers. A special assistant for the Reds until his passing last month from cancer at the age of 56, Towers was a respected general manager for the Padres and D-backs.
Up next
Robert Stephenson will make his spring debut when the Reds host the D-backs at 3:05 p.m. ET on Monday. Stephenson dealt with a sore neck last week, but it wasn't considered a serious issue. Raisel Iglesias, Jimmy Herget, Kevin Shackelford and Keury Mella are also scheduled to pitch.