Reds see Tyler Mahle as piggyback option

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tyler Mahle is being viewed as a piggyback option, per Reds manager David Bell.

What It Means:

Mahle might be able to steal some wins in long relief but he isn't part of the Reds' five-man rotation to start the season. That group consists of Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley, and Anthony DeSclafani. Mahle had a career-high 5.14 ERA last season but he also recorded a career-high 23.2 strikeout percentage with 129 punchouts over 129 2/3 innings. The right-hander will turn 26 in September.

numberFire's models project Mahle for a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and 11 walks over 34 1/3 innings this season.