Tony Cingrani's next start will be for Reds

Left-hander Tony Cingrani will make his first start of the season in the second game of Wednesday’s day-night doubleheader against the Cubs after coming off the disabled list with a shoulder injury.

Cingrani started the season in the bullpen, putting up a 3.47 ERA in 24 appearances before going on the disabled list in June.

“I miss the routine, I miss that sort of stuff,” Cingrani said about his return to the rotation. “I like being in the back end of the bullpen and coming out in the eighth inning and the ninth inning. That stuff’s fun. But starting, you have the routine, you know what you’re going to get, you know when you’re going to pitch. That’s nice.”

Reds manager Bryan Price is looking forward to seeing Cingrani’s improved slider. Cingrani has relied heavily on his fastball so far during his big-league career.

“My understanding is he improved it greatly during his time on the DL and in AAA,” Price said. “I’m looking forward to seeing more of a complete pitcher and a guy who has more in his arsenal than he did when he was hurt.”

Cingrani said he’s worked hard on the slider since the beginning of the 2014 season.

“I’ve been throwing it for a year-plus, trying to get it good,” Cingrani said. “It’s come a long way, it’s a good pitch. It’s usable.”

Cingrani made another rehab start Friday for Triple-A Louisville and did very well. He went five shutout innings. He allowed four hits, walked one and struck out six. He threw 93 pitches, 59 strikes.

"We're going to stretch him out some more," Reds manager Bryan Price said last week. "If it goes well, he'll be under consideration for that start on Wednesday."

The day-night doubleheader makes up for an April 25 rainout.

Cingrani pitched very well in his three rehab outings, going nine shutout innings, allowing only two hits, five walks and 12 strikeouts.

He threw four no-hit innings Sunday. He, David Holmberg (three innings) and Sam LeCure (two innings) combined for the first nine-inning no-hitter in the history of the Louisville Bats.

"(Cingrani's) throwing the ball really well," Price said last week. "He's using more pitches."

The Reds, of course, may need depth in the starting rotation. There's a good chance Johnny Cueto and/or Mike Leake could be traded before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Cingrani spent most of 2013 in the rotation. He went 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA. Last year, he struggled early, then was sent to Louisville, where he injured his shoulder. He was put on the DL at Louisville on June 26 and spent the rest of the season there.

Cingrani started the spring in competition for a rotation spot, but he was moved to the bullpen because the Reds were concerned about his lack of off-speed pitches. He's worked on a change-up and a breaking ball while on rehab.