Sprained elbow ligament shelves Reds’ DeSclafani for four weeks

Reds’ starter Anthony DeSclafani’s MRI in Cincinnati revealed a sprained right ulnar collateral ligament, general manager Dick Williams announced Monday afternoon.

The 26-year old right-hander will be shut down for four weeks.

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“It will certainly impact his ability to start the season on the active roster,” Williams said. “I anticipate him opening the season on the disabled list. We will be working with him when he returns to Arizona to get a treatment plan in place.”

DeSclafani, Scott Feldman and Brandon Finnegan were named to the Reds’ starting rotation at the beginning of spring training. Homer Bailey had bone chips removed on Feb. 8, leaving two open spots in the rotation.

DeSclafani missed the start of the season last year with a strained left oblique but returned to post a 9-5 record in 20 starts.

The Reds are exploring options on the waiver wire and free agent market but could also decide to fill the void with the young pitchers in camp.

“We have to digest the alternatives and see what’s out there,” Williams said. “We’re still very committed to seeing what we have here in camp. These guys have really done a great job with the opportunity that’s been given to them. That whole group of young pitchers continue to perform. The did again today.”

Amir Garrett pitched four hitless innings in the Reds’ 3-1 win over Oakland. Jimmy Herget, Nick Rout, Kevin Schackelford, and Jackson Stephens pitched a scoreless inning each. Keury Mella gave up a ninth-inning home run to Chris Parmelee.

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