Reds hope Bailey can return this season

CINCINNATI — There is still hope that right-hander Homer Bailey will be able to pitch again before the season ends. But the right biceps tenderness he’s had must be completely behind him first.

Bailey had a positive afternoon Tuesday, when he threw his first bullpen session since his last start on Aug. 28. He threw 44 pitches.

“He’s improved from where he was,” Reds pitching coach Mack Jenkins said. “We’ll see how he is tomorrow and plan another bullpen, maybe, on Friday.”

When asked if Bailey threw pain-free, Jenkins did not categorize it that way.

“He was better than he has been,” Jenkins said. “He threw his whole arsenal. He had high pitch quality today.”

Bailey declined to speak with reporters.

It’s been a long summer for the 30-year-old Bailey, who returned after a 15-month rehab from Tommy John surgery on July 31. He posted a 6.65 ERA in six starts before he was shut down again by the biceps issue. He’s made eight starts over the past two seasons.

The Reds are not in playoff contention so having Bailey pitch again this season isn’t imperative. There has been discussion of shutting him …

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