CINCINNATI - The Reds called up left-hander Tony Cingrani from Triple-A Louisville to start on Thursday night against the Miami Marlins.
Cingrani takes the place of right-hander Johnny Cueto, who went on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a strained muscle in his back. He'll be the first left-hander to start a game for the Reds since Dontrelle Willis on Sept. 29, 2011. The 23-year-old pitcher was called up for the first time last season and made three relief appearances.
Reliever Justin Freeman was optioned back to Louisville on Thursday. He was called up when Cueto went on the disabled list, giving the Reds another option in the bullpen for a few days. He made one appearance, giving up a two-run homer during an 11-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
