Homer Bailey strong in return to mound, Reds top Padres 3-2

The veteran righty was dominant at times in his first start in over a year.Homer Bailey, of course!

The most senior starting pitcher on the Cincinnati Reds roster made his return to the mound for the first time in over a year, making just his third big league start since the first week of August 2014. Since then, he'd had two major throwing arm surgeries - one to repair his flexor mass tendon, the other Tommy John surgery - and after a few mediocre rehab starts with AAA Louisville, it was hard to expect anything other than shaking the rust off in Sunday's outing.

Instead, Homer looked polished and powerful, showing the kind of vintage ability we've fawned over at its best for years. His final…