Cincinnati Reds’ Brandon Finnegan expects to rejoin rotation next week

Apr 6, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of ceremonies prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of ceremonies prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

After a 3.00 ERA in three rehab starts, Cincinnati’s Brandon Finnegan expects to return to the Reds’ pitching rotation.

Cincinnati Reds’ starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan expects to rejoin the team, he told Call to the Pen Wednesday evening. The 24-year old made his third rehab start in Triple-A Louisville and allowed four earned runs on four hits in five innings.

“As of now there is nothing [scheduled],” said Finnegan, who threw 71 pitches and struck out five. “I’d assume I will join them in Washington or whenever I’m scheduled to start again.

“Hopefully, Washington. I’d like to get back with the team and hang out a couple of days before I can start pitching again.”

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Finnegan, who is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three Major League starts this season, has been out with a strained left trapezius muscle. He began a minor league rehab assignment on June 11, after missing nearly two months, and threw a combined seven scoreless innings in a pair of starts with Double-A Pensacola.

“The lat is fine,” Finnegan said. “There hasn’t been anything wrong with my lat since I started throwing again.”

Finnegan emphasized he must receive final word before returning to Cincinnati’s active roster.

“I’m about to find out,” said the TCU product. “They told me all they wanted me to do was get up to five innings, and I’ve done that. I’ve done my job. Hopefully, that’s it.”

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The next date with a yet to be announced Reds’ starter is June 27 when the team returns home to face the Milwaukee Brewers.