Cincinnati Reds reliever Ian Gibaut's return from IL delayed by setback with forearm

Gordon Wittenmyer, Cincinnati Enquirer
Ian Gibaut pitching against the Twins last September at Great American Ball Park.
Ian Gibaut pitching against the Twins last September at Great American Ball Park.

SEATTLE – The great Ian Gibaut roster dilemma may have resolved itself, at least temporarily — if not exactly the ideal way for either Gibaut or the Cincinnati Reds.

The right-handed reliever still is having issues with the forearm that slowed his work in spring training and put him on the injured list to open the season.

After retiring two of the five batters he faced and getting pulled because of a pitch count that had climbed to 25 during Tuesday’s minor-league rehab appearance, Gibaut has been scheduled to have the forearm examined again Thursday before the team determines a next step in his rehab.

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“We’re trying to work through some stuff right now to see if he’s going to continue the rehab assignment or not,” manager David Bell said. “He’s not feeling great. Put it that way.”

Ian Gibaut's start to the season was slowed because of forearm discomfort and now he's suffered a setback on his rehab assignment. Gibaut has been scheduled to have the forearm examined again Thursday before the team determines a next step.
Ian Gibaut's start to the season was slowed because of forearm discomfort and now he's suffered a setback on his rehab assignment. Gibaut has been scheduled to have the forearm examined again Thursday before the team determines a next step.

Gibaut was originally scheduled to finish up his rehab assignment with back-to-back outings Tuesday and Wednesday – his final test – before rejoining the Reds’ bullpen Saturday.

Internal discussions had been ongoing for that last couple weeks over potential roster moves to make room for the valuable reliever with that return date looming – including the possibility of optioning to the minors a starting pitcher because so few pitchers on the roster have minor-league options (only Fernando Cruz and Alexis Diaz among the relievers).

Elly De La Cruz celebrates his home run against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at T-Mobile Park Wednesday. It was De La Cruz's fifth home run of the season.
Elly De La Cruz celebrates his home run against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at T-Mobile Park Wednesday. It was De La Cruz's fifth home run of the season.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Reds RHP Ian Gibaut suffers setback on comeback trail

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