David Bell discusses Reds pitching, Luke Maile having strong spring

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Following Thursday’s 7-4 spring training loss, the Cincinnati Reds had the ninth-worst spring training ERA in MLB. Recently, starters like Frankie Montas, Andrew Abbott and Graham Ashcraft have had shorter outings where they allowed at least three runs.

Reds manager David Bell was asked about how much he factors runs allowed into his evaluation of spring training performances for pitchers.

“Maybe it’s not too much runs, even though that’s the name of the game,” Bell said. “It’s more strike throwing, the stuff, the sequences. What they’re doing to get guys out. Not so much runs. Sometimes it’s out of their control.”

Bell cited an example from Thursday when Tejay Antone was on the mound where the Reds didn’t play great defense. “Tejay’s first inning could have been scoreless,” Bell said. “His stuff was sharp.”

Luke Maile having a strong spring

Following Thursday’s game, Reds catcher Luke Maile was eight-for-15 at the plate this spring. He laced a double into the gap on Thursday, continuing a strong spring.

“He’s just one of those players who’s getting an opportunity,” Bell said. “He has worked hard for many years. It’s showing up now. He has settled in. He’s not fighting for his job all the time. There’s a comfort being here, and that’s coming out.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: David Bell discusses Reds pitching, Luke Maile having strong spring