C. Trent Rosecrans

crosecrans@enquirer.com

The Reds will get a good look at Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias before spring training, as the 24-year-old will pitch in two Arizona Fall League games this week before going to Puerto Rico to pitch in that league this winter.

The team got their first look at the $27-million pitcher on Thursday when he threw 10 pitches in the instructional league, striking out all three batters he faced.

"He was incredible," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "It was 94, 95 (mph), and threw his curveball, slider and change. He threw strikes. It was really free and easy. He's a fun guy to watch."

Iglesias was in uniform for the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League on Friday and will pitch in games on Monday and Thursday before going to Puerto Rico.

Jocketty has said they'll treat Iglesias as a starter, despite the fact he was used mostly as a reliever in Cuba. He could still move back to the bullpen to give the team immediate help.

The Reds signed Iglesias to a seven-year big-league deal worth just less than $27 million this June. Iglesias wasn't cleared to come to the United States until August, when he reported to the team's training complex in Arizona.