CHICAGO (AP) -- Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike
Leake will likely move from the starting rotation into the bullpen in a
long-relief role.
Homer Bailey beat the Houston Astros on
Thursday to earn his first victory of the year after being shelved with a
shoulder problem. Johnny Cueto is slated to make his season debut
Sunday against the Chicago Cubs after dealing with irritation in his
biceps and triceps.
That leaves Leake as the odd man out.
Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that
Leake, who was involved in a shoplifting case earlier this season, could
move to the bullpen. He is 3-1 with a 5.77 ERA.
"We were going to start the season with
(Leake) as our long man and sixth starter," Baker said. "The way my
starters have been going, I've got him and (Sam) LeCure. I've got two
long guys, which is what we need right now."
Baker sees Leake as an ideal long-man in
the bullpen, something Cincinnati has needed more frequently this year
with struggling starters.
"He stays in shape, comes in and throws
strikes," Baker said. "I don't have to hit for him if he comes up like
you do with a lot of relievers, because he can hit."
Leake was hit hard by the Astros on
Tuesday. It was the right-hander's first start since he settled his
shoplifting case, and one of the worst of his career. He matched a
career high by allowing seven runs in only 3 2-3 innings, his shortest
appearance of the season.
Leake pleaded guilty to a lesser charge
of unauthorized use of property last Friday. He was sentenced to
community service.
