The Reds could have opted for a 4-man starting rotation for a while, putting off a roster cut to mid-April. Instead they named Tyler Mahle as the fifth starter and announced he would start the fifth game of the season. Mahle is holding down the spot that otherwise would have gone to Alex Wood, who will start the season on the DL with a sore back.
David Bell announces Tyler Mahle will be the #Reds 5th starter. Will start 5th game of season.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) March 22, 2019