GOODYEAR, Arizona -- When Scott Feldman signed with the Reds, he knew he was going to get a chance to return to starting. He didn’t know that he’d be the No. 3 starter.
But that’s likely what he’s going to begin the season after Homer Bailey’s injury.
“It’s something that it’s unfortunate when people get hurt,” Feldman said. “Hopefully he gets a quick rebound and gets going pretty soon. In the meantime, everybody’s just got to kind of step up a little bit and try to take care of business on the field.”
Feldman, the 34-year-old right-hander, signed a $2.3 million free agent deal with the Reds. He split last year between Houston and Toronto. He started five games and pitched in relief in 35, going 7-4 with a 3.97 ERA. Feldman has made 183 starts in his career.
“(Starting is) what I would like to do,” he said. “Opportunity, you’ve got to go where they want you. I felt like the Reds called early and showed interest. It seemed like a good place to play. I’m excited about it.”
Reds manager Bryan Price is a Feldman fan -- more so since he met him.
“I think we got a quality pitcher and a quality guy,” Price said. “It’s something we’re trying to really hit on both when we can. Sometimes you’ll take a shot or take a limited risk that may not have been a great guy or doesn’t come with recommendations or you heard some things about and taking a chance with a guy who might not blend well with our team. But when we can, we try to hit it on both the best we can -- a quality guy that makes us better in the clubhouse and on the field. I think we’ve got that with Scott.”
Sometimes, a pitcher just needs a chance. The Reds got more than anyone expected from Dan Straily last year.
“This game just really involves being at the right place at the right time,” Feldman said. “There’s certain guys that never really get that opportunity because they’re blocked by somebody in the minor leagues and they never get an opportunity to start. A lot of things have to go right to have a successful career.”
ANOTHER CLAIM: The Reds claimed a player off waivers from Pittsburgh for the second day in a row, picking up right-hander Nefi Ogando.
To make room, Homer Bailey was placed on the 60-day disabled list.
Ogando, 27, went 0-0 with 2.30 ERA in 14 games for Miami last year.
