Mat Latos to make season debut for Cincinnati Reds on Saturday
By Brad Rowland
It has been an incredibly long time since Cincinnati Reds right-hander Mat Latos was able to grace a Major League mound, but despite expressing unhappiness about an extended rehab assignment, Latos will reportedly make his 2014 debut on Saturday night against the Milwaukee Brewers. John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer brings the news:
Latos will start Saturday. No roster move with him as of yet. #refs
— John Fay (@johnfayman) June 10, 2014
The 26-year-old Latos has been the definition of “walking wounded” this season, with diagnosed issues in his elbow, knee and calf, but he will be a highly welcomed addition to Cincinnati’s already solid pitching staff. The Reds welcomed back their best player, first baseman Joey Votto, on Tuesday night after a lengthy absence, and with Latos seemingly back in the mix, Cincinnati will be at near full strength for the first time this season.
When we last saw Latos on the mound, he was putting up a 3.16 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP over more than 210 innings during the 2013 season, and the former San Diego Padres star has never amassed an ERA above 3.50 during a full MLB season. It will be exceedingly interesting to see if Latos has any rust to shake off, but more than that, the Reds have a significant decision to make in opening up a rotation spot.
The duo of Alfredo Simon and Tony Cingrani have been battling back and forth all season, and Reds management will be forced to make their choice by the time Saturday rolls around.