Garrett returns to Reds rotation Friday

After roughly two and a half months, Amir Garrett will return to the mound for the Reds.

The Reds’ rookie lefty, who owns a 7.41 ERA but hasn’t pitched in the majors since June 20, will oppose Mets righty Seth Lugo in Queens on Friday night. Garrett played two years of college basketball at St. John’s near Citi Field.

Garrett hit a rough patch before his injury, pitching to a 12.49 ERA across his final four starts before being demoted. Reds manager Bryan Price said Garrett’s velocity has improved.

"I noticed it in the last three starts," Price said. "He's pitching a little bit more off of his fastball and not using such an expanded mix of pitches. We saw him with lesser velocity pitch very effectively, so I don't think his success is based on his velocity. However, it never hurts to be able to manage a fastball that's a tick higher."

About the Author