Mar 9, 2021; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez pitches. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Reds are taking their first step toward changing the configuration of their starting rotation with the promotion of Vladimir Gutierrez. It’s being reported that Gutierrez will likely start Friday for the Cincinnati Reds when they make the trek to Wrigley Field to play the Chicago Cubs.
Gutierrez’s ascension to the big leagues has been a long time in the making. An international free agent signing in 2016, the 25-year-old was suspended for the entire 2020 season and the first 18 games of 2021 following a positive test for PEDs.