Reds short on starting pitchers down stretch

CHICAGO — Down the stretch last season, the Reds limped to the finish in part because they had to play a Major League record 64 straight games with a rookie starting pitcher to end the year. The end of this season won’t be close to that unenviable situation, but manager Bryan Price is still in a surprising position for September of having to fill more spots than he currently has available starters.

Three rookies faced the team with the best record in the Majors and all resulted in losses. Robert Stephenson lasted just 3 2/3 lackluster innings with four runs allowed and threw 98 pitches during a 9-2 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday night.

In six games since Saturday, which was a doubleheader vs. the Pirates, the Reds have had four starts last fewer than five innings. One of those games — Tuesday’s 6-1 loss — was started by long reliever Josh Smith.

“It’s September and we’ve got a long relief guy making a spot start. It’s the environment we’re in,” Price said.

With 10 games left, there are some question marks on who makes some starts for the Reds. Sunday’s starter against the Brewers is still TBA, which could mark the return of Homer Bailey from right biceps …

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