Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (elbow) will not return to the rotation Sunday against the Nationals, manager Bryan Price said Friday. Price added Michael Lorenzen will get the start, as Jason Marquis will move to the bullpen.
Price did sound optimistic about Cueto returning for a three-game series against the Phillies, which starts Tuesday. However, he did not target a specific date for Cueto's return.
"It looks more likely he'll be starting in that Philadelphia series [next week]," manager Bryan Price said on Friday, per MLB.com. "We just want to make sure all of the inflammation is out. He's been more aggressive every time he's thrown. He's felt better every time he's thrown."
Cueto underwent an MRI on Tuesday, which showed no structural damage. He is 3-4 with a 3.03 ERA in nine starts.