Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani was tested in his 2016 debut, throwing 60 pitches over four innings for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Saturday night. The right-hander allowed three earned runs on four hits with a walk and five strikeouts before the Blue Wahoos rallied for a 10-4 win.
The Reds’ presumptive Opening Day starter sustained a left oblique strain late in spring training and was delayed further when he felt discomfort following a simulated game in early April. After two pain-free bullpen sessions and a 40-pitch effort in another simulated game, DeSclafani made his first start since March 24.
Anthony DeSclafani ran into trouble early in the game and needed 21 pitches to get out of the first inning. Tyler O’Neill, one of the Mariners’ top hitting prospects, made the right-hander regret a leadoff walk with the first of two home runs. DeSclafani was more efficient in his final three innings, stranding two runners in the second inning and retiring eight of the last nine batters that he faced on the night. He didn’t allow another three-ball count after his first walk and threw 43 of his 60 pitches for strikes.
The Jackson Generals were unable to catch up to DeSclafani’s fastball, which sat at 91 to 93 mph and topped out at 95 mph. He would mix in a changeup on one-strike counts and favored an occasional curveball or slider to set up his fastball for strike three. O’Neill collected both of his home runs on hanging curveballs but was the only player to put an offspeed pitch in play for a hit against the rehabbing starter.
Overall, DeSclafani was able to neutralize the Southern League’s top offense and showed better fastball command as the game went on. It appears his side session went well as the Dayton Dragons announced he will make his second and final rehab start Thursday at Fifth Third Field.