Mat Latos tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball Monday for Triple-A Louisville, showing enough in that rehab start to convince Cincinnati’s decision-makers that he is finally ready for MLB action.
John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the right-handed Latos -- who has been out all year because of knee, calf, and elbow issues -- has officially been cleared to join the Reds’ starting rotation this Saturday night against the Brewers.
Latos posted a solid 3.16 ERA (121 ERA+) and 187 strikeouts in 210 2/3 innings last season. The 26-year-old is capable of providing a nice boost for the Reds, who open play on Tuesday night with a disappointing 29-33 record and -20 run differential.
