Caleb

Cotham

Cotham has been out all month with shoulder inflammation. He would appear to have a shot to make it back before the All-Star break.

Cotham initially went on the disabled list with a shoulder issue but suffered the knee injury while on a rehab assignment. He should have a relatively normal offseason.

The hope is he’ll be ready for the start of spring training next season. Cotham entered 2016 with some fantasy hype because of the lack of talent in the Cincinnati bullpen, but he posted a dreadful 7.40 ERA and 1.81 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings while fighting a shoulder injury. He injured his knee on a minor league rehab assignment.

The shoulder no longer appears to be a concern, but Cotham’s knee gave him trouble in his first rehab appearance late last month. He’s expected to resume throwing from a mound soon.

Cotham got off to a great start this season, but he had been struggling since late April and holds a 7.40 ERA for the year. It’s unclear how long he might be out.

He’ll be with the team through at least July 11, meaning Cotham’s return to the big leagues won’t come until after the All-Star break. It’s already a lost year for Cincinnati so there’s no point in rushing Cotham back if he’s not 100 percent. The 28-year-old pitched to an ugly 7.40 ERA over 23 appearances for the Reds before getting hurt.

Bailey needed 14 months to recover from Tommy John surgery. He’ll make his season debut for the Reds Sunday against the Padres. To make room for Bailey on the active roster, the Reds optioned Kyle Waldrop to Triple-A Louisville while also transferring Caleb Cotham (shoulder) to the 60-day disabled list.

The move clears a roster spot for Homer Bailey, who is set to return from Tommy John surgery Sunday versus San Diego. Cotham was close to returning from shoulder inflammation earlier this month but was shut down because of a knee issue. His return date remains a moving target.

Cotham missed most of the season with shoulder and knee issues, undergoing surgery on his knee in August. The hope is that he’ll be ready for spring training, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him eased into things.

Cotham showed some early-season promise for the Reds but then started to struggle and dealt with shoulder and knee injuries. He’ll have to earn his way back on the 40-man roster.