Latest performance validates Finnegan as starter

ANAHEIM — Instead of fading down the stretch during his first full season as a starter in the Major Leagues, Reds left-hander Brandon Finnegan appears to have become stronger and more effective.

Finnegan was on the losing end of the Reds’ 3-0 defeat to the Angels on Wednesday but did his job. The Angels sat Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, but Finnegan’s line was respectable in any setting with two earned runs on five hits over seven innings. Second in the Majors in walks, he did not allow any free passes and struck out nine.

Over his last three starts, totaling 20 innings, the 23-year-old Finnegan has given up four earned runs and racked up 29 strikeouts while his opponents are batting .132 (9-for-68).

“We’re looking at a kid that doesn’t have a lot of development time in the professional system,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “He spent most of his time in professional baseball as a big leaguer. Who does that? Not many. He’s had to learn on the fly, and he’s done a wonderful job. I’m proud of the development he’s shown from the beginning of the season to the present.”

Finnegan is 8-10 with a 4.19 ERA in 27 starts spanning …

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