Chase

Petty

Bummer. At least the Reds are getting Nick Lodolo back on Tuesday, but they might need to again turn to Chase Petty if Lowder lands on the IL, as seems likely. Lowder ended up being charged with three runs in three-plus innings today against the Cubs, as both guys he left on in the fourth came around to score.

Petty performed admirably in a spot start against the Cubs earlier this week, allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings while not factoring into the decision. The 23-year-old’s biggest highlight was a nifty, athletic play off the mound, fielding a chopper up the third-base line and delivering an on-target throw to first. He’ll be back at some point later this summer when the Reds need another starter.

Petty gave up four hits, walked two and struck out one. The 23-year-old right-hander was called up for what appears to be a spot start. Considering the difficult matchup against the Cubs, Petty pitched well. With Nick Lodolo (blister) due back this week, Petty is likely headed back to Triple-A, where he had a 4.38 ERA this year.

The Reds have seven games this week and needed an extra starter before Nick Lodolo (blister) comes off the IL on Friday, so Petty is being called up for a spot start. The 23-year-old has a 4.38 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 29/11 K/BB ratio in 24 2/3 innings at Triple-A this season. The strikeouts could be there tonight, but the walk rate is a bit of a concern against a tough Cubs offense.

The 23-year-old right-hander has had mixed results in his six starts at the Triple-A level this season, compiling a 4.38 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and a 29/11 K/BB ratio across 24 2/3 innings. It’s likely to just be a one-and-done situation for Petty as Nick Lodolo (blister) is slated to rejoin the Reds’ rotation on Friday.

Petty also walked two and struck out two. The velocity was good on his fastball, and he did register a 33 percent whiff rate, but he got behind in the count often, throwing only 42 percent first pitch strikes, and was hit hard all day long, with an average exit velocity against of 97.4 mph. Petty is just 22 years old, so he has plenty of development left, but the Reds could use him taking a step forward this season.

Both players were always seen as longshots to crack a crowded Opening Day roster, so there’s no real surprise here. Encarnacion-Strand, who was the Reds’ Opening Day first baseman in each of the past two seasons, will have to prove his health and produce at the Triple-A level before earning another shot in Cincinnati.

Petty returns to the minors after recording just two outs in relief during Saturday’s contest against the Cardinals. There’s no spot for him in the big leagues, especially with top prospect Chase Burns completing his meteoric rise to the majors in the less than one calendar year.

Petty is an illustrative example of the significant gap between Triple-A and the big leagues at the moment as he’s consistently dominated on the doorstep of the majors with a 2.76 ERA and 26.9 percent strikeout rate this season, while getting absolutely torched in a pair of spot starts for the Reds. The talent is there to succeed, but he’s not a recommended option for fantasy purposes when he makes a bulk relief appearance on Saturday against the division-rival Cardinals.

Suter will likely pass the baton to pitching prospect Chase Petty for a bulk relief outing after facing formidable lefties Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson in the opening frame.