DeSclafani makes second start after coming off DL
ATLANTA -- Anthony DeSclafani was slated to be the Opening Day starter for the Cincinnati Reds.
Instead, the right-hander didn't make his first major league appearance this season until last Friday in Cincinnati, working six innings in a 2-1 interleague victory by the Reds over the Oakland A's.
It was a belated but encouraging outing for DeSclafani, who will make his second start Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves.
DeSclafani strained his left oblique muscle in his last start of spring training and then suffered a setback after two minor league rehab outings in late April.
He didn't get back on the mound until late May, making three rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville before facing Oakland.
DeSclafani allowed eight hits in six innings against the A's, but the Reds turned three double plays and he gave up just one run, on a third-inning homer by Stephen Vogt.
DeSclafani walked three and struck out two, throwing 102 pitches.
"I didn't make it easy on myself, that's for sure. But I was super-anxious just to be out there," he said. "I felt really good. I felt maybe too good. I don't know if that's such a thing, but I grinded out there, and the guys played great defense behind me."
DeSclafani went 9-13 with a 4.05 ERA last season in 31 starts as a rookie after the Reds acquired him from Miami as part of the trade that sent Mat Latos to the Marlins.
DeSclafani admitted he was too keyed up early against Oakland in his first start. It should be more back to normal against the Braves.
"I was everything ... nervous, anxious. I had a lot of adrenaline I had to try to control from the start of the game," he said.
DeSclafani is trying to make up for a late start to the season. His opponent on Wednesday is hoping that his season has turned around.
Bud Norris lost his spot in the Braves rotation, but was forced back in when Mike Foltynewicz went on the disabled list.
The veteran has responded to two good outings, limiting opposing hitters to a .167 batting average in 11 innings.
Norris got a no-decision in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, then allowed four hits and a run over seven innings in a home victory last Friday against the Chicago Cubs.
Norris struck out six and walked none while improving his record to 2-7 and lowering his ERA to 4.75.
"He's been great," Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. "He followed up a really solid start with another one. You can't say enough about what he did. He went down to the 'pen and did a great job for us, but the two starts when we needed him have been really good."
The Reds (26-39) have won the first two games of the four-game series, given them an 11-6 record since an 11-game losing streak.
The Braves (18-46) have the worst record in the majors and are 7-27 at home.
