Cincinnati Reds option John Lamb to Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds demoted starting pitcher John Lamb to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park.

Lamb (1-7, 6.43 ERA) made his 14th start of the season Saturday and allowed a career-high nine earned runs in two innings. His season ERA jumped a full run from 5.43. The Reds lost 9-1.

“Why beat around the bush?” Reds manager Bryan Price said Saturday. “He certainly has to pitch better. We’re not in an environment where anything goes.”

Lamb’s next scheduled start would have been Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park. The Reds have not announced who will take his place, but they could skip his spot in the rotation because they have an off day Thursday.

Lamb, 26, made his big-league debut a season ago after the Reds acquired him from the Kansas City Royals. He made 10 starts and was 1-5 with a 5.80 ERA. His career record stands at 2-12. He has a 6.17 career ERA.

The Reds called up outfielder Kyle Waldrop to take Lamb’s spot on the roster.

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