CINCINNATI -- Reds lefty starter Brandon Finnegan is continuing to make steady progress toward returning to the rotation, following his second rehab assignment start on Friday night.
With Double-A Pensacola as it clinched a first-half division title, Finnegan tossed 54 pitches over four scoreless innings with one hit, no walks and four strikeouts. He has been on the disabled list since April 16 with a teres major strain near his left shoulder.
"I actually spoke with [Pensacola manager] Pat Kelly this morning to congratulate them on winning the first half there, and we were able to talk about Finny," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He liked what he saw there. [Finnegan] had really good movement on his fastball, good changeup, a lot of strikes. I think he's progressing as we'd like.
"He's always kind of feeling like he's going through a second Spring Training. There's going to be a little ebb and flow to that. He's feeling fine, but I think as far as the velocity, it's going to have that ebb and flow that you'll usually see in that rehab environment."
Finnegan will make his next rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A Louisville, two days after Homer Bailey (right elbow) makes what could be his final rehab start. Although no specific timetable was placed on either pitcher, it sounded like Finnegan could use at least two more outings.
"We'll kind of have a much better idea on the template once these guys get through their next outing," Price said. "We'll probably be able to make a relatively quick decision on Homer, whether he will continue to pitch in Minor League rehabs or we feel he's ready. With Finny, we got up to 54 pitches. He's certainly [making] his next start and then he'll be re-evaluated for the finishing touches."