Ryan

Wagner

Wagner has a streak of 10 2/3 scoreless innings over eight appearances. He has given up two hits while striking out eight in the streak. He has allowed only three runs in his last 15 appearances. Until he’s getting saves, don’t bother picking him up. It may not be long, though.

Wagner was standing up too straight, causing his pitches to remain up. He pitched a scoreless inning in the only appearance since making the adjustment. He’s worth grabbing in NL-only leagues if he was dropped earlier because Danny Graves could eventually be traded.

Manager Dave Miley stressed that Wagner, 21, is healthy. He simply has pitched too many innings. Wagner was the first player from June’s draft to reach the majors after throwing 84 1/3 innings for the University of Houston. He ends the season 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA in 17 games. He allowed only 13 hits and struck out 25 over 21 1/3 innings. There has been some talk of converting him to a starter this offseason, but his future is probably as a closer.

It was the first time he’d thrown since July 15, and he’s probably two weeks away from returning.

Wagner, on the DL since July 15 with a sore shoulder, will continue with the long-toss program while the Reds are on the road. Trainer Mark Mann said Wagner probably won’t begin throwing off the mound until the Reds return home Aug. 15, meaning he’s looking at a possible return in late August.

''Today was encouraging,’' Wagner said. He threw 21 pitches, all fastballs and changeups. He’ll throw another session Saturday with hopes of pitching for the Reds in September.

Wagner will throw in the pen again in a couple of days. He’s probably not going to be activated until Sept. 1 at the earliest.

Wagner was crusing, needing only 16 pitches to get the five outs. He struck out one batter.

Wagner has allowed two earned runs in nine innings since signing last month. The Reds probably wouldn’t call him up unless they planned to have him stick around, so it’s unlikely that he’ll be the pitcher cut to make room for Gabe White on the roster. Wagner probably won’t have any fantasy value this season, but he could play a big role next year.

He takes Michael O’Connor’s roster spot. The Nationals will use Wagner in middle relief until they next need a fifth starter. He shouldn’t have any fantasy value.