The Reds have played 59 consecutive and 105 total games with a rookie starting pitcher this season. Here’s the complete roll call: Anthony DeSclafani (30), Michael Lorenzen (21), Raisel Iglesias (16), Keyvius Sampson (11), John Lamb (9), David Holmberg (6), Josh Smith (6), Brandon Finnegan (3) and Jon Moscot (3).
While an organizational transition to a new wave of starters was inevitable given payroll realities and the arrival of young talent, the tsunami of rookie starts was an unexpected development. This reliance on inexperienced starters was precipitated by injury (Homer Bailey), offseason trades (Mat Latos, Alfredo Simon), in-season trades (Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake) and catastrophic front office judgment (Jason Marquis).