Hartsock: Better luck next time for Bailey

Credit: Patrick McDermott

Credit: Patrick McDermott

I’m not sure what’s more frustrating for Reds fans — Homer Bailey’s 2017 debut or knowing that he’s still under contract the next two years to the tune of $44 million.

The veteran right-hander sure didn’t look like the guy who breezed through three rehab starts, including one in Dayton. Of course those were against minor league hitters, not some of the Washington Nationals he faced Saturday.

“In this game, at this level, you never really know.” Bailey said. “With a line-up like that and you’re not sharp, they’re going to make you have a long day regardless of who you are.”

Bailey said he felt fine physically, during and after the game. Reds manager Bryan Price said that’s a topic that really shouldn’t be an issue going forward.

“I think the sooner we get away from treating these guys coming back as “rehabs” the better off we are,” Price said. “I don’t want to look at Finnegan, or Homer, or Desclafani when he comes back and say this is an extended part of his rehab … they’ve done all of their rehab.”

Brandon Finnegan rehabbed his sore shoulder and will come off the disabled list and pitch Monday in St. Louis when the Reds face the Cardinals in a make-up game.

As for Bailey, he will go back out Thursday at Great American Ball Park hoping a second chance will be sweeter.

“I have no excuses,” Bailey said. “I just didn’t pitch well today…that’s all I can say.”

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