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Garrett’s start will be his first in the majors since he was roughed up by Rays in Tampa Bay on June 20 for six runs on five hits, including two home runs, and four walks with just three strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings. He was optioned to Triple-A Louisville and spent the rest of the minor league season with the Bats, wrapping up his stay with an impressive seven-inning, one-hit, 10-strikeout outing against Columbus on Sunday.
“He seems very positive and optimistic about the way he’s throwing the ball, not just because of the spike in velocity, but because his command has been better,” Price said.
»BRYAN PRICE: Reds have ‘good foundation to some really good things’
Romano replaces fellow rookie right-hander Robert Stephenson as Sunday’s scheduled starter.
Welcome back: In an effort to fortify their bullpen, the Reds recalled right-hander Luke Farrell from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday for his second tour of major league duty.
The team felt an extra arm was needed with right-hander Drew Storen struggling with a stiff elbow, Price said.
“We don’t want to overwork (Michael) Lorenzen or (Raisel) Iglesias at the end of the season because of a shortage in overall numbers,” Price said. “We’re just being cautious.”
Farrell, the son of Boston manager John Farrell, made one appearance during a four-day stint with the Reds from August 23 through August 26. His promotion creates the possibility that he could pitch against his father’s team when the Red Sox come to town for a three-game series starting on September 22.
Rare start: Second baseman Scooter Gennett didn't start on Wednesday, creating an opening for Jose Peraza to return to the lineup at the position where he'd made 64 starts this season.
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Gennett, enjoying a career season in which he’s already set career highs with 24 home runs and 85 runs batted in, forced his way into Price’s regular lineup in mid-July, forcing Peraza into a backup role at both middle infield spots. He’d responded by hitting .318 in his most recent 29 games going into Wednesday.
“He’s done some really nice things,” Price said. “What he’s done that was really important is how he handled sacrificing playing time so we could get Scooter in there. He’s impacted the roster.”
Bernie's field: The Reds and the Reds Community Fund will renovate a ballfield on Cincinnati's west side in honor of long-time clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe.
Located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Riverside, Field One at Gilday Riverside Park will receive significant upgrades including new dugouts, fencing and a left field mural.
The renovated diamond will be dedicated as Bernie Stowe Field in spring of 2018.
The project was announced on Tuesday during pregame ceremonies at Great American Ball Park. Participating in the ceremony were many members of Bernie’s extended family including his wife Priscilla and two of their sons, Reds senior director of clubhouse operations Rick Stowe, visiting clubhouse manager Mark Stowe, as well as grandson and Reds clubhouse staffer Luke Stowe.
In 1947, Bernie began his 67-year tenure working in the Reds clubhouse at Crosley Field as a 12-year-old. He was a ball boy during the 1953 All-Star Game and worked his way up to the club’s senior clubhouse and equipment manager before retiring in 2013. In 2008, Bernie received the Reds Hall of Fame’s Powell Crosley Jr. Award, recognizing Reds staff members for their extraordinary service and dedication. Bernie passed away at the age of 80 in February of 2016.
Road again: The Reds are hoping to snap a six-game losing streak at New York's Citi Field when they open a four-game series against the Mets on Thursday. Rookie right-hander Tyler Mahle (0-1) is Cincinnati's scheduled starter in his third major league game. Right-hander Matt Harvey (4-4) is scheduled to start for the Mets. Harvey gave up seven runs in two innings on Saturday at Houston in his first start since coming off the disabled list. He'd been out since June with a shoulder injury.
Harvey had lobbied to start on Wednesday after just three days of rest, but the Mets decided it was more prudent to keep him on four days of rest.
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