As Bill Bray goes for another rehab outing, Nick Masset yet to stage a comeback – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds’ reliever Bill Bray had another rehab outing on Wednesday, June 20, as the team awaits his return. Bray, who is out of game since April with left groin and back injuries, had his pitching session with Triple-A Louisville.
Wednesday’s appearance for Triple-A Louisville seems to be encouraging enough to restore his confidence as he braces to rejoin the team. His was a one-inning pitching spell whereby he only permitted two-walks with no earned-run.
The session led to his team’s victory over Scranton-Wilkes Barre. The confidence-inspiring rehab outing may well expedite the process of his return in the team.
Coupled with Bray, it was reliever Nick Masset who has had no pitching spell the whole season threw in the bullpen earlier this week. How likely is his return to the team is never easy to predict.
In fact, the pitching coach Bryan Price was unsure about whether or not Masset will have rehab assignment any time soon. The pitching coach has his explanation of it. Unlike Bray who had left groin and back problems, Masset has not been able to throw even a single pitch.
Therefore it seems be too early for him to get back to the Reds. "It's too early," Price said on Wednesday. "There are some things that have to go on, as far as my opinion as part of the protocol. He's got to throw more bullpens.”
While Masset may have the hurry to return back to the team, Bryan Price stated that he has to for a batting practice situation, before going for the rehab throwing program.
“He needs to face some hitters live, either in a batting practice situation or simulated game type situation. And then start to think about how to lay out his innings plan before his rehab throwing program."
The Reds, at this point in time, are in need of some relievers given the mini-slump of Aroldis Chapman in recent days. Once Bray is back, that will set a lot of things right for the team, allowing it more space to manoeuvre, and increasing the chance to have a solid defence.
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