CINCINNATI -- When the Reds eventually turn full attention ahead to 2023 next month, identifying rotation candidates will be one of several tasks. Luis Cessa would certainly like to be considered.

Cessa wasn't overly sharp during a 5-3 Reds loss to the Brewers on Friday at Great American Ball Park but still maintained his standing as a future rotation contender. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs (two earned), six hits and four walks while striking out three.

"I think it's a tough night for me," Cessa said. "It's not my best one, but I think I battled over there."

As Brewers starter Eric Lauer struggled in the first inning, Cincinnati took a 2-0 lead three batters into the game on Kyle Farmer's two-run double down the left-field line. But the Reds couldn't add on and left the bases loaded. A one-out walk by Cessa followed by a single in the top of the second inning opened the door for the Brewers and they cashed in. Victor Caratini hit an RBI double to right field, with the second run scoring on right fielder Aristides Aquino's throwing error to the plate.

In the top of the fifth inning after a pair of singles, Andrew McCutchen's fielder's choice grounder to second base scored Rowdy Tellez with the go-ahead run.

“Still good, not maybe as sharp as he has been," Reds manager David Bell said. "Not as much swing and miss with the slider. A few more walks, I think, really was the big difference."

The top three of the Cincinnati rotation will most likely be second-year starters Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. After that, there are some possibilities.

Cessa is 1-3 with a 4.64 ERA in eight starts -- seven since moving from the bullpen to the rotation last month.

"He’s actually made it look easier than I know it is to go from strictly a reliever for a few years now, and really did a nice job of changing everything in his routine," Bell said. "He was open to it. He’s made the most of the opportunity. He’s done as well as you could expect and really, better. He’s doing everything he can to show that he can handle that role.”

Cessa's longest outings were both 5 2/3 innings in back-to-back starts on Sept. 8 and 13. He has been a reliever full time since the 2019 season.

"I think if they give me the chance next year, maybe I can work hard in the offseason and prepare myself to be a starter," Cessa said. "In the middle of the season, it's really tough to change my routine from a reliever to a starter. But, if they give me the chance, I'll prepare myself to be a starter in the offseason and maybe they make the decision in Spring Training."

Connor Overton was activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday after missing four months with a back injury. Overton had a 1.82 ERA in four starts before he went down May 23, and although he's in the bullpen at the moment, he could get a chance to make a start. He would like a crack at the 2023 rotation.

"I’m proving that I’m healthy and can pick up where I left off," Overton said. "I’m really trying to earn my spot for next year. That’s pretty much the goal for the rest of the season."

A Triple-A reliever for most of the season, veteran Chase Anderson has a 2.16 ERA in his last four starts. Although a free agent this offseason, Anderson has stated his enjoyment for the Reds and pitching coach Derek Johnson. If he does return, he could be a bullpen arm or starter depth.

"I feel like I thrive in this small market team. Guys are grinding every day, and I feel like this team is on the ways up," Anderson said Thursday.

Cincinnati's No. 6 prospect, lefty Brandon Williamson, is getting consideration for a promotion to make his big league debut before 2022 ends. Williamson, acquired from the Mariners in the March trade for Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez, allowed one run and four hits over three innings Thursday for Triple-A Louisville in his second start back from paternity leave.

Finally, Justin Dunn posted a 6.10 ERA in seven starts before he went back on the IL with a shoulder injury Sept. 15. Dunn had a couple of nice starts but was prone to walks. His persistent shoulder issue could make him a bullpen candidate if he's unable to start.