Reds' Homer Bailey close to throwing off the mound

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Homer Bailey is expected to throw off of a mound for the first time this spring, Reds manager Bryan Price said, adding the right-hander shouldn't miss much time after undergoing surgery to repair the torn flexor tendon in his right forearm last September.

"He's well on his way and we have complete faith he'll be able to go at some point in time fairly early in the season," Price said on Wednesday. "I don't know if it's going to be Opening Day, but I don't imagine we'll be talking about May, either."

Bailey told the Associated Press that he didn't expect to be ready for Opening Day.

"Do I think I'll be ready opening day or the first series? Probably not. But it won't be long after that," told the AP.

Both Price and general manager Walt Jocketty said it was too early to make an decision about where Bailey will be in his rehab in a month.



The Reds open the season on April 6 against the Pirates. The Reds have an off day on April 7 before finishing the three-game series against the Pirates on April 9. The Reds then host the Cardinals for three games. Johnny Cueto is the likely Opening Day starter for the Reds, while Bailey and Mike Leake are being counted on to be in the rotation with the final two spots up for grabs.

Bailey made 23 starts last season, his fewest since 2011. Bailey has said his arm feels good, but the team is being cautious in its approach. The next steps in his return will be made this week.

"We've actually got a throwing protocol in place, we've earmarked a date for his first bullpen, which we'll await to announce," Price said. "He hasn't had any setbacks. We anticipate seeing him on the mound the next several days. He'll be on the mound and if everything goes well with that, he'll follow a bullpen protocol that will eventually lead to live batting practice and that will lead to his first spring training game."